Player Quotes - Media Day
Syracuse Men’s Basketball
Media Day
Student-Athlete Quotes
October 12, 2018
Tyus Battle, Jr., Guard
When you really look at it, obviously what you were able to accomplish especially in the postseason last year, you have all of those guys back, and adding some pieces – how exciting is that?
“It’s really exciting, I think we have a chance to go really far this year. We gel really well so far. I am just excited for the season to start.”
As far as the new pieces and how they really come in with a group that already was solidified last year, how have the new guys integrated in here?
“I think the biggest piece we added this year is more scoring. These guys can really score and they are really good on the offensive end. Our defense will always be there. We pride ourselves on the defensive end. But our offensive side has really improved, so that’s good.”
I know you’re not supposed to pay attention to the preseason buzz, but is it nice to be talked about rather than being ignored as it seems like you guys were the first two years you were here?
“It’s nice, but I’m not too worried about it. There are a lot of teams that are talked about in the beginning of the year, and you don’t hear about them in the end. We were a team that wasn’t talked about in the beginning of the year and then you heard about us at the end. You have to prove it when you get on the court.”
The way you guys were able to go in the postseason, that experience of beating Michigan State in the second round and going to the Sweet Sixteen, how much does that carry over?
“It helps a lot. Having that tournament experience and getting that under your belt, it was my first time as well, so you won’t get the nerves next time. You experienced it, we made a run, and now we are just trying to improve on that.”
Oshae Brissett, So., Forward
What’s the vibe of the team going into this year?
“I feel like everyone is really locked in, especially with the run we had last year. The guys that we have, they are really determined and ready to go. With myself, Tyus (Battle), and Frank (Howard), I feel like we could steer these guys in the right direction. Especially with Elijah (Hughes), Bourama (Sidibe), and Howard (Washington), these guys didn’t really get a lot of chances to play last year. I feel like this is the year where they can really prove themselves and help us out. Hard work is definitely the key term this year because day in and day out we are in here before practice, in-between classes, and that is something that I see with all the guys and I am happy to see it.”
How good can this team be?
“I feel like we have no ceiling right now. We don’t even have our starting point guard right now. Jalen is really proving himself, Howard (Washington) is just getting back, and Bourama (Sidibe) is really helping himself out right now. Once we get everybody together, I don’t even know how good we could be. Everyone is just working so hard, I don’t even know.”
All you guys put in work down the stretch last season, and the fact that you have added depth to the roster, is that part of the reason why you guys are so excited?
“Yeah, for sure. There’s not going to be any more ‘three people playing 40 minutes’. We have guys coming off the bench that are really going to give good minutes and help us out. Not just being there, not just being at the game and running up and down, they’re going to be able to contribute and do something and really help the team out. I feel like that’s the best thing we added this year.”
Frank Howard, Sr., Guard
What is your personal goal for this season?
“My personal goal is be the best player I can be and to help my team. I think I can be a great leader on and off the court and help our team a lot. When I was a younger guy, we had older guys helping me. It’s all a rotation, and I am ready to step up and start the senior role.”
It’s your final year, how do you want to leave here and have Syracuse fans remember you by?
“I want to leave a champion. We don’t want to sugarcoat anything, we know what we want. We just try to attack that every day, and I am just really excited.”
Can you give us an update on your foot and tell me how that’s feeling?
“It’s my ankle, and it’s feeling great. I’m moving around a lot better off the crutches. It was a preseason injury that happened in practice. It’s something that I have to deal with. It’s a little annoying, nothing serious, but I am just trying to get better in rehab and get as strong as I can for my team.”
Paschal Chukwu, Sr., C
Can you notice the added depth around this roster, where you guys are a much deeper team than you might have been last year?
“Yeah definitely, because last year we had a couple guys playing 40, 35 minutes per game and with this team this year we have players that are able to go much harder each time they’re out there. Knowing you have someone to come in when you’re tired, it’s going to really help push you over the edge to play harder so I think it’s really good for us.”
You mentioned the newcomers learning the defensive system. You’ve now been in the system for a year. What is the difficulty behind that? How long does it take for players to pick up what coach is trying to implement?
“It varies for each player. I think it’s all about knowing the sequences of the zone. The coaches, they teach us a specific way to do it, but at the end of the day they want you to make your play. When we simulate all the offensive things in practice that’s not necessarily how all the teams are going to do it, so you have to be able to really understand the zone enough to be able to change a couple things and make the right play in the game.”
How did the offseason go for you and what were some of the things you were looking to improve on coming into this year?
“My offseason was really good. I worked on getting stronger, worked on my offensive game a lot, and tried to improve specific aspects of my defensive game. I think I was able to accomplish that this summer.”
It seems that towards the end of the season you started to get more confident on the offensive side. Is that a result of just being a little more comfortable out there or just trying to maybe assert yourself?
“It’s part of getting comfortable because I didn’t play for two years prior to last year, so I haven’t really played organized basketball. Playing in those games and having to play the whole season was really a confidence booster for me. So, like you said. I got comfortable with my foul shots and my good play.”
Bourama Sidibe, So, F
Do you feel any reluctance to come in and enjoy the build-up surrounding this team? The Orange are supposed to be pretty good, ranked. Do you embrace that or say it’s not that big of a deal?
“For me it’s not a big deal. It really doesn’t matter because sometimes you can be ranked No. 1 and at the end of the season you’re out of everything so what doesn’t matter is how you started. What matters is how you finish it.”
Have you taken a look at the schedule, what do you think of it so far?
“Everything is fine, we just have to compete, play. Play hard every day because when you play hard you’re going to have a good result.”
How frustrating was it that you couldn’t show that kind of consistency with the pain you were in?
“It’s kind of frustrating but as the season went through I kind of got used to it because I know everything happens for a reason. I just kept fighting through, and I am here now.”
When you were here this summer what were some things you were working on?
“I was in the training room with Brad (Pike) working on my knee, making sure my knee gets stronger so I can practice with everybody the beginning of the season so I can make sure I’m ready.”
What are your personal goals and team goals as well?
“Obviously the team goal is to win everything. My goal is to get better, to show that I can play. That’s one of my goals, to get better.”
Elijah Hughes, Jr, F
Where do you think your game has improved?
“All aspects. Slowing the game down, making it easier for myself to score, making plays for others. I’ve been working with (assistant coach) Gerry McNamara a lot. I improved my body a lot.”
How does it feel this year practicing knowing you’re going to be playing?
“It’s a different excitement. It’s just different going into the season now, so I know I’m going to be in the game. It’s just a different type of excitement.”
Coach has been pretty effusive in his praise of you. Over the last few months, he’s been talking about your role and how you’re the best shooter. How does that feel knowing that you have the confidence of your coach?
“It was good. Every player wants comments from coach like that. He believes in me, I believe in him so I’m just going to go out there and do what I do.”
How does it feel knowing the team has so much more depth that last year?
“Everyone’s just playing hard now, we have guys that can come in and give breaks. Everyone just has to play hard.”
Marek Dolezaj, So., F
Coach Autry said this is a ‘we’ team not a ‘me’ team. What can you say about having that family atmosphere with this team?
“We are all a big family and, no one has a problem with each other and it’s a really big plus for us. We talk all the time and I think that will help us.”
People were saying you added some range to your shot. Are you knocking down threes more consistently?
“I feel more confident in my shot, I’m working on it every day, and I hope I will be good this year.”
What’s the biggest difference you’ve seen in yourself game wise coming from year one to year two?
“I feel more confident. I know what to expect this year and it’ll be a really exciting year.”
What’s something you learned last year that you’re going to take into this year?
“I have to be more confident and more aggressive to go to the basket.”
Jalen Carey, Fr., Guard
What have you learned from practicing with the other guys?
“You can’t take a play off. That’s one thing I’ve learned. Every play means something. Every second, every dribble means something. Just learning every day. I’ve got a great group of guys I’m playing with and a great coaching staff so learning from them and seeing stuff that they went through and learning from them. It’s just helping me every day and is making me better on and off the court.”
How is the chemistry within the team?
“I feel like I’ve been here for four years. I love it. I love the guys. Everybody’s cool. It’s welcoming. I feel like I’m at home. The chemistry is great. I’m still learning a little bit, but other than that, I feel like I’ve been here for a long time.”
With Frank Howard out, do you feel any added pressure to be better, or are you just going to play as hard as you can regardless?
“Not at all. I’m still going to do what I do, still bring what I bring to the table. With him being out, I’m able to learn a lot from him because he’s able to watch me and all the guys and be able to still contribute. Even with him out, it’s still like he’s in practice because he’s always talking to all of us. He’s telling me what I need to do. He’s been there for three years. I feel like that’s one good person I am able to listen to because we play the same position. Just looking up to him and following him is just going to be big for me. I just enjoy it and I can’t wait for the season.”
Buddy Boeheim, Fr., Guard
Three-point shooting was a deficiency last year. Talk about your role this year.
“I definitely look forward to coming in and knocking down open shots, if I get looks, and making plays for my teammates. Overall, just coming in and making shots where I need to, and helping the team out wherever possible.”
What’s it been like for your mom?
“It’s been a lot of emotions for her. She’s just as excited as we are, asking how things are going every day. She’s just as invested in it as we are.
“She’s asking me every day ‘what’s it like?’ and all this stuff. She’s really into it just as much as me and my dad are as players and coaches. She’s just as supportive as my dad.”
Do you feel like you have to prove anything extra to people?
“No, I just think the biggest thing for me is doing what I can best, just getting out there and helping us win. I don’t think there is any added pressure to that. Playing here is a dream come true, so I’m just looking forward to that.”
Robert Braswell, Fr., Forward
What has Coach Autry done to teach you, how has he made you better?
“He’s constantly pushing me to be the best I can be. He wants the best for me, and I want to be great, too. He’s never stopped pushing me and he’s always helping me out. During practice, he’s always there talking me through the drills.”
When you lived in Germany, what was the exposure to basketball like?
“It was definitely different. It’s more fundamentally challenging over there. That’s pretty much how I learned to play basketball. That’s where I learned how to play basketball. I had an American coach on the German team, so he knew what he was doing.”
How did being in a military family affect you as a kid?
“Everybody was always telling me to do the right thing all the time. Be on time. Be respectful. All that. Not really living the military life, just learning how they live and implementing that into your life.”
What’s something about that life as a kid that people don’t know about?
“You move around a lot. You meet a lot of people then you leave them. There’s not a lot of room for failure in a family like that because that’s not what they’re used to, so they don’t want you to get used to it.”
Media Day
Student-Athlete Quotes
October 12, 2018
Tyus Battle, Jr., Guard
When you really look at it, obviously what you were able to accomplish especially in the postseason last year, you have all of those guys back, and adding some pieces – how exciting is that?
“It’s really exciting, I think we have a chance to go really far this year. We gel really well so far. I am just excited for the season to start.”
As far as the new pieces and how they really come in with a group that already was solidified last year, how have the new guys integrated in here?
“I think the biggest piece we added this year is more scoring. These guys can really score and they are really good on the offensive end. Our defense will always be there. We pride ourselves on the defensive end. But our offensive side has really improved, so that’s good.”
I know you’re not supposed to pay attention to the preseason buzz, but is it nice to be talked about rather than being ignored as it seems like you guys were the first two years you were here?
“It’s nice, but I’m not too worried about it. There are a lot of teams that are talked about in the beginning of the year, and you don’t hear about them in the end. We were a team that wasn’t talked about in the beginning of the year and then you heard about us at the end. You have to prove it when you get on the court.”
The way you guys were able to go in the postseason, that experience of beating Michigan State in the second round and going to the Sweet Sixteen, how much does that carry over?
“It helps a lot. Having that tournament experience and getting that under your belt, it was my first time as well, so you won’t get the nerves next time. You experienced it, we made a run, and now we are just trying to improve on that.”
Oshae Brissett, So., Forward
What’s the vibe of the team going into this year?
“I feel like everyone is really locked in, especially with the run we had last year. The guys that we have, they are really determined and ready to go. With myself, Tyus (Battle), and Frank (Howard), I feel like we could steer these guys in the right direction. Especially with Elijah (Hughes), Bourama (Sidibe), and Howard (Washington), these guys didn’t really get a lot of chances to play last year. I feel like this is the year where they can really prove themselves and help us out. Hard work is definitely the key term this year because day in and day out we are in here before practice, in-between classes, and that is something that I see with all the guys and I am happy to see it.”
How good can this team be?
“I feel like we have no ceiling right now. We don’t even have our starting point guard right now. Jalen is really proving himself, Howard (Washington) is just getting back, and Bourama (Sidibe) is really helping himself out right now. Once we get everybody together, I don’t even know how good we could be. Everyone is just working so hard, I don’t even know.”
All you guys put in work down the stretch last season, and the fact that you have added depth to the roster, is that part of the reason why you guys are so excited?
“Yeah, for sure. There’s not going to be any more ‘three people playing 40 minutes’. We have guys coming off the bench that are really going to give good minutes and help us out. Not just being there, not just being at the game and running up and down, they’re going to be able to contribute and do something and really help the team out. I feel like that’s the best thing we added this year.”
Frank Howard, Sr., Guard
What is your personal goal for this season?
“My personal goal is be the best player I can be and to help my team. I think I can be a great leader on and off the court and help our team a lot. When I was a younger guy, we had older guys helping me. It’s all a rotation, and I am ready to step up and start the senior role.”
It’s your final year, how do you want to leave here and have Syracuse fans remember you by?
“I want to leave a champion. We don’t want to sugarcoat anything, we know what we want. We just try to attack that every day, and I am just really excited.”
Can you give us an update on your foot and tell me how that’s feeling?
“It’s my ankle, and it’s feeling great. I’m moving around a lot better off the crutches. It was a preseason injury that happened in practice. It’s something that I have to deal with. It’s a little annoying, nothing serious, but I am just trying to get better in rehab and get as strong as I can for my team.”
Paschal Chukwu, Sr., C
Can you notice the added depth around this roster, where you guys are a much deeper team than you might have been last year?
“Yeah definitely, because last year we had a couple guys playing 40, 35 minutes per game and with this team this year we have players that are able to go much harder each time they’re out there. Knowing you have someone to come in when you’re tired, it’s going to really help push you over the edge to play harder so I think it’s really good for us.”
You mentioned the newcomers learning the defensive system. You’ve now been in the system for a year. What is the difficulty behind that? How long does it take for players to pick up what coach is trying to implement?
“It varies for each player. I think it’s all about knowing the sequences of the zone. The coaches, they teach us a specific way to do it, but at the end of the day they want you to make your play. When we simulate all the offensive things in practice that’s not necessarily how all the teams are going to do it, so you have to be able to really understand the zone enough to be able to change a couple things and make the right play in the game.”
How did the offseason go for you and what were some of the things you were looking to improve on coming into this year?
“My offseason was really good. I worked on getting stronger, worked on my offensive game a lot, and tried to improve specific aspects of my defensive game. I think I was able to accomplish that this summer.”
It seems that towards the end of the season you started to get more confident on the offensive side. Is that a result of just being a little more comfortable out there or just trying to maybe assert yourself?
“It’s part of getting comfortable because I didn’t play for two years prior to last year, so I haven’t really played organized basketball. Playing in those games and having to play the whole season was really a confidence booster for me. So, like you said. I got comfortable with my foul shots and my good play.”
Bourama Sidibe, So, F
Do you feel any reluctance to come in and enjoy the build-up surrounding this team? The Orange are supposed to be pretty good, ranked. Do you embrace that or say it’s not that big of a deal?
“For me it’s not a big deal. It really doesn’t matter because sometimes you can be ranked No. 1 and at the end of the season you’re out of everything so what doesn’t matter is how you started. What matters is how you finish it.”
Have you taken a look at the schedule, what do you think of it so far?
“Everything is fine, we just have to compete, play. Play hard every day because when you play hard you’re going to have a good result.”
How frustrating was it that you couldn’t show that kind of consistency with the pain you were in?
“It’s kind of frustrating but as the season went through I kind of got used to it because I know everything happens for a reason. I just kept fighting through, and I am here now.”
When you were here this summer what were some things you were working on?
“I was in the training room with Brad (Pike) working on my knee, making sure my knee gets stronger so I can practice with everybody the beginning of the season so I can make sure I’m ready.”
What are your personal goals and team goals as well?
“Obviously the team goal is to win everything. My goal is to get better, to show that I can play. That’s one of my goals, to get better.”
Elijah Hughes, Jr, F
Where do you think your game has improved?
“All aspects. Slowing the game down, making it easier for myself to score, making plays for others. I’ve been working with (assistant coach) Gerry McNamara a lot. I improved my body a lot.”
How does it feel this year practicing knowing you’re going to be playing?
“It’s a different excitement. It’s just different going into the season now, so I know I’m going to be in the game. It’s just a different type of excitement.”
Coach has been pretty effusive in his praise of you. Over the last few months, he’s been talking about your role and how you’re the best shooter. How does that feel knowing that you have the confidence of your coach?
“It was good. Every player wants comments from coach like that. He believes in me, I believe in him so I’m just going to go out there and do what I do.”
How does it feel knowing the team has so much more depth that last year?
“Everyone’s just playing hard now, we have guys that can come in and give breaks. Everyone just has to play hard.”
Marek Dolezaj, So., F
Coach Autry said this is a ‘we’ team not a ‘me’ team. What can you say about having that family atmosphere with this team?
“We are all a big family and, no one has a problem with each other and it’s a really big plus for us. We talk all the time and I think that will help us.”
People were saying you added some range to your shot. Are you knocking down threes more consistently?
“I feel more confident in my shot, I’m working on it every day, and I hope I will be good this year.”
What’s the biggest difference you’ve seen in yourself game wise coming from year one to year two?
“I feel more confident. I know what to expect this year and it’ll be a really exciting year.”
What’s something you learned last year that you’re going to take into this year?
“I have to be more confident and more aggressive to go to the basket.”
Jalen Carey, Fr., Guard
What have you learned from practicing with the other guys?
“You can’t take a play off. That’s one thing I’ve learned. Every play means something. Every second, every dribble means something. Just learning every day. I’ve got a great group of guys I’m playing with and a great coaching staff so learning from them and seeing stuff that they went through and learning from them. It’s just helping me every day and is making me better on and off the court.”
How is the chemistry within the team?
“I feel like I’ve been here for four years. I love it. I love the guys. Everybody’s cool. It’s welcoming. I feel like I’m at home. The chemistry is great. I’m still learning a little bit, but other than that, I feel like I’ve been here for a long time.”
With Frank Howard out, do you feel any added pressure to be better, or are you just going to play as hard as you can regardless?
“Not at all. I’m still going to do what I do, still bring what I bring to the table. With him being out, I’m able to learn a lot from him because he’s able to watch me and all the guys and be able to still contribute. Even with him out, it’s still like he’s in practice because he’s always talking to all of us. He’s telling me what I need to do. He’s been there for three years. I feel like that’s one good person I am able to listen to because we play the same position. Just looking up to him and following him is just going to be big for me. I just enjoy it and I can’t wait for the season.”
Buddy Boeheim, Fr., Guard
Three-point shooting was a deficiency last year. Talk about your role this year.
“I definitely look forward to coming in and knocking down open shots, if I get looks, and making plays for my teammates. Overall, just coming in and making shots where I need to, and helping the team out wherever possible.”
What’s it been like for your mom?
“It’s been a lot of emotions for her. She’s just as excited as we are, asking how things are going every day. She’s just as invested in it as we are.
“She’s asking me every day ‘what’s it like?’ and all this stuff. She’s really into it just as much as me and my dad are as players and coaches. She’s just as supportive as my dad.”
Do you feel like you have to prove anything extra to people?
“No, I just think the biggest thing for me is doing what I can best, just getting out there and helping us win. I don’t think there is any added pressure to that. Playing here is a dream come true, so I’m just looking forward to that.”
Robert Braswell, Fr., Forward
What has Coach Autry done to teach you, how has he made you better?
“He’s constantly pushing me to be the best I can be. He wants the best for me, and I want to be great, too. He’s never stopped pushing me and he’s always helping me out. During practice, he’s always there talking me through the drills.”
When you lived in Germany, what was the exposure to basketball like?
“It was definitely different. It’s more fundamentally challenging over there. That’s pretty much how I learned to play basketball. That’s where I learned how to play basketball. I had an American coach on the German team, so he knew what he was doing.”
How did being in a military family affect you as a kid?
“Everybody was always telling me to do the right thing all the time. Be on time. Be respectful. All that. Not really living the military life, just learning how they live and implementing that into your life.”
What’s something about that life as a kid that people don’t know about?
“You move around a lot. You meet a lot of people then you leave them. There’s not a lot of room for failure in a family like that because that’s not what they’re used to, so they don’t want you to get used to it.”
