A kid from a junior college or a transfer, he knows he's got a very short time. He's worried about, 'Do I like the coach?' and 'Do they win?' And from that standpoint, the fact that we're not in a major city doesn't hurt us anymore. |
As our fans know, guards from Indianapolis have had a lot of success here in the past. We have a statue of one of the greatest right outside our arena. |
Devan indicated to me in our first telephone conversation that his family wanted him to have options regarding his future. Devan has conveyed to me that he has not made any decisions, only that he wanted to have options. We are communicating daily and will continue to do so. Obviously, we hope Devan decides to remain with our program. |
He and I, just like all the guys I'm signing, have an understanding that they're coming here to play basketball but that they're also coming here to get their degree. That's what I'm about and that's what it's going to be all about. This is a guy who seems to have matured a lot in the last couple of years. |
He probably can play three positions. He can shoot the ball extremely well from the perimeter and he's a very good passer. He's one of the best bigger forwards available in the country. He was on our list immediately. ... He's a guy that's going to get stronger as he's here all summer. I'm pleased that we were able to get somebody of his size and ability this late. |
He was the equal of anyone I ever saw play. I knew I was playing with a footballer and an athlete. |
He's been on the circuit. He's a guy that hopefully is not going to get nervous when we go on the road in the Big East. |
He's very gracious to a young coach, as far as even knowing who somebody like me is. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Coach Williams, not only for him as person but way he does it. |
I believe in developing relationships with the whole team. Not one player is above the team, including the coach. There is no special treatment. I don't care if you're talking about Reece Gaines or Kenyon Martin. |
I can confirm that I'm recruiting the whole country right now. |
I do believe this was a great fit. I just need to prove that now. |
I have no problem if he chooses to leave and pursue other opportunities, that's his choice. If our athletic department or myself choose not to release him to a particular school it means we are not comfortable with possible direct or indirect contact that has been made, and I'm not going to comment on any particular school. |
I know it's not going to be easy. |
I showed him what I had been working on. I showed him the list that I always keep. |
I spoke to him that night as he was driving home. The fact that he was driving home concerned me. |