VIDEO: Daniels, Hellems & Harris Talk After NC State’s 100-67 Victory Over Western Carolina

Redshirt Sophomore’s Devon Daniels and Blake Harris, and Freshman Jericole Hellems met with the media after NC State’s 100-67 victory over Western Carolina last night (Highlights). The video is ABOVE, and a bulleted breakdown is BELOW.

• Daniels: It was a great experience (playing in Reynolds). The fans are right on the court. I liked it a lot. There was a lot of energy in the gym and I think we all felt that.
• Hellems: Of course, being my first time playing in there. It was a blessing and an amazing experience to have the support from the fans and then obviously with it being loud. I enjoyed myself.
• Harris: Playing at Reynolds was a great time. My first time. Great crowd. A lot of intensity. I liked it.
• Daniels: You know, I think everybody knows about his (Valvano) story, but to actually play for the school he represented, it’s a different meaning. You can definitely tell how much of an impact he had on the community. It was a great experience playing here…playing for him and the fans.
• Hellems: Just knowing the legacy that he created with the team that he coached. It’s a blessing to have NC State across your chest, knowing the history behind it. Having this opportunity to play with NC State is a blessing.
• Harris: I thought it was wonderful that we got the W on the day they changed the arena to his name.
• Daniels: I think I was just over-thinking it (getting adjusted to Keatts system). I was just worried about trying to get comfortable, thinking about it way too much. I just settled down, kept it simple, trusted the offense, and it came a lot easier. I just kept listening to my coaches, putting in the work and it helped a lot.
• Daniels: We are trying to have the mindset just to stay consistent. Playing versus anybody, but definitely playing versus ranked teams at different arenas…we always get excited about that. It’s another chance to prove ourselves and get better. So, I think we’re definitely ready and we’re definitely excited (to face Penn State in the Boardwalk Classic Saturday in Atlantic City).
• Harris: Our bond is amazing. We all fit together. We’re not selfish at all. We’re all like brothers. We just want to win and make Coach Keatts happy.
• Hellems: Like Blake was saying, I think we’re all just creating bonds, having fun, and trusting in each other. Obviously, it showed tonight that we played good together, weather any circumstances, and the next game is going to be the same way.
• Daniels: We’re growing every game. The more we compete together and know each other’s tendencies, I feel like we’re coming along good. We’ve played some pretty good teams. Some ranked opponents. That has helped us bond and I think we’re just going to keep on getting better. Better and stronger.
• Daniels: Sheesh. Those wolf heads on the Gucci loafers. Crazy

(Video via WRAL)