Yesterday the media extravaganza began for the NCAA Tournament. Eamonn and I were out at Arco Arena where the usual press conferences were held for coach Kelvin Sampson and the three leaders (DJ, Rod and Earl), but the team also opened up its locker room for player interviews. I had the chance to sit down with a few of the Hoosiers and briefly talk to them.
Here's what they had to say about a random assortment of topics, including the Hoosiers' matchup against Gonzaga coming up tonight:
Freshman guard Armon Bassett
On the first NCAA Tournament appearance of his career:
"For me it means a lot playing for my home state's school and overall just being able to play in an NCAA (Tournament) game. And just the kind of atmosphere we're about to play in, we're basically on (Gonzaga's) coast and we're probably not gonna have as many fans as them, so I think it's gonna be pretty tough."
On the Hoosiers' having to play on the west coast:
"Life isn't fair. It doesn't always work out for you. We've been in some tough places, some tough atmospheres this year, so it can't be any worse than what we've already been through this year."
On playing with seniors guards Errek Suhr and Earl Calloway this season:
"It's helped me more than anything in how I approach practice. I never really approached practice like that throughout my career, like how intense and hard they go. But I'm learning stuff from them that I'm gonna carry on to next year and can pass on to some other guys."
Freshman guard Joey Shaw
On his first time playing in the NCAA Tournament and on the Hoosiers playing out west:
"It'll be a good experience to go out there and give it all you got and to get the chance ... We've played in a lot of tough atmospheres, so it can't be too much tougher than what we've played in already. We just gotta go out there and play hard and play the way we know how to play. No matter where you're at, you've gotta play your way."
On this year's matchup with the Bulldogs compared to last year's:
"We only watched a little tape on last year. Coach (Sampson) wanted us to focus more on this year and work off of that. But we definitely won't forget what happened last year." "They're a different team this year. More than anything we've gotta stop the shooters, don't have defensive breakdowns and make sure to rebound."
On having Earl Calloway back and the team at full strength:
"It's meant a lot because Earl's a great leader on the court. It helps Armon because he can play the two a little more and shoot the ball a little more. So it's helped the team get back to our old selves again."
Junior forward Lance Stemler
On IU's draw for the NCAA Tournament:
"I think we were happy with our seed. Being far from home wasn't the best case scenario - the best case would be going to Lexington or somewhere closer - but we're pretty happy with our seed and our draw."
On last year's game against Gonzaga:
"It's completely different. They're a totally different team without (Adam) Morrison and (J.P.) Batista. They have players back from last year's team that are good though. The (IU players) that faced them (last year) helped out by telling us how the (Gonzaga) players play and have helped in getting us ready to play."
On playing in the NCAA Tournament for the first time:
"I was excited (when I found out). It's something that you always wanna do and that's why I came here - to get the chance to play in the postseason and win. I'm just excited."
On preparing for Gonzaga this year:
"We need to just come out and play our game, and stay focused. We need to make sure we're limiting mistakes on defense. And just being focused and being ready to play mentally."
On his personal goal and the Hoosiers' current goal:
"I just wanna try to do whatever to help this team win and advance. The number one goal (for the team) is to do whatever we can, to sacrifice, so that we can win and move on."
Stay tuned to the Basketblog throughout today and later tonight (keep in mind the time change, it could be really late) for more updates on the Hoosiers. IU's Round 1 matchup against Gonzaga is just a few short hours away. Enjoy.
