Men’s Basketball Media Day – Quick Quotes
9/26/2018 5:05:01 PM | Men's Basketball
The 2018-19 men’s basketball team held its annual on-campus media day Wednesday. The Buckeyes went 25-9 overall last season and 15-3 in Big Ten play. They open the season at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at Cincinnati.
Chris Holtman
On moving forward:
Now is the time for this group to form its own identity. We’re going to require contributions from these guys, and contributions from faces fans aren’t used to seeing.On questions entering this season:
The biggest question for this group is who’s going to answer the bell in crunch-time situations. The exciting thing is that we have a lot of new guys, but it also makes us anxious. Time will tell.Building culture with this new team:
What was critical last year was that Keita and Jae’Sean bought in completely. That made it easy in some ways. We’re not at that point yet. We have players who are excited to learn, but we don’t know if we have buy-in until you face some adversity.
C.J. Jackson
On the freshmen:
They have a lot of talent. They bring a lot of different things to the table as far as on the court and off the court. They work hard. They came here very humbled and I’m very excited to see what they can do.On what he looks forward to from now to the first game:
How we handle adversity. The first game of the year is not going to be an easy game, so based on the first tip well learn a lot about ourselves.On the season opener:
You come to an institution like this to play the best. It’ll be a good in-state rival (and good to) see where we are and see where they are. It’ll be fun. They were at the top of their conference and we were at the top of our conference.On what this team will be like this year:
We’re a defensive team first and that’s what’s going to come first. Coach likes to say no matter if we’re here or on the road our defense can stay the same.
Kaleb Wesson
On graduating four seniors: It’s exciting because you don’t know what you’re going to get. Our young guys are really good players and we’re working every day.
On changing how he attacks a season: I feel like I’m in better shape than I was at the end of the year. As big as I am my game had to change… I have to keep my conditioning up, but I can’t slow down.
Andre Wesson
On taking a leadership role:
I feel good about it. Watching Jae’Sean and Keita last year, I picked up some stuff from them. I definitely have the people here to help me with that. Along with them, I’m going to help out as much as I can.On improving his game:
I’ve mainly been working on getting my shot more consistent. That’s probably the biggest thing. I’m also working on a little bit of play making stuff and ball screens. I feel like I can play multiple positions on the court. I can play 2 through 5 really. I think my versatility is a big thing.
Musa Jallow
On last season:
We try to move on from the past, but we have big shoes to fill. We also have to impress people and blow past the expectations… I’m going to try to do everything I can to help the team.On personal improvements:
(I have) more presence. I’m going to try to be a leader vocally and on the court. Hopefully that shows I’m trying to help the team as much as possible.
Micah Potter
On getting buy in from new players:
The coaching staff has the ability to recruit the right kind of people. All of the guys that came in this year know are going to play hard.On Luther Muhammad:
Luther proved himself throughout the entire summer. He’s got that super-tough, killer mentality. If someone beats him, he’s going to take it right back at you. Having him and Musa who are two lock down perimeter defenders like that would be solid.
