Scott Drew recaps Battle 4 Atlanis, previews upcoming games

On the team’s chemistry and leadership heading into the season
"Coming into the season, we felt comfortable with the chemistry and really liked the leadership with Ishmael Wainright. Such a selfless leader and great teammate leading the way. But definitely, we’ve gotten out to a start that’s better than expected by most people’s standards. That a tribute to the guys being all about the team and using our strengths and our depth and being able to bring the best out in each other. "

On playing best in the second half
"We were concerned after Oregon and after Florida Gulf Coast. We weren’t very good in the second half. Remember? We had leads and then came out, gave up those leads. Still trying to work on getting two good halves. But I thought in the tournament, definitely, our depth was helpful in those second halves and again, I think that’s when you make some adjustments. That’s where a team’s gotta have good leadership. ‘Cause when you get down, if you panic or focus on the wrong things, you can’t come back and do what you need to do to win the game. That calming presence and leadership of Ish is really important."

On the team’s depth and versatility
“I think the versatility of our team if you look, different games we had different people step up, make plays. I think that’s one of the strengths of this team, is the depth and the variety of people that are capable of coming up and making plays. I also think it’s the toughness and resilience of the team and their ability to persevere, fight through fatigue and challenging teams and find a way to win.”

On the early keys to success
“Player development is something that has been really critical to our program’s success. I attribute [that to our assistant coaches]. Also, our past players do such a great job at helping our young guys. Texting ‘em, talking to ‘em in the summertimes or in open gym and during the season after a game, they’ll reach out and tell ‘em ‘Hey, this is what you need to do better’ or ‘I like this.’ But I think those guys have done a great job at helping lead.”

On King McClure stepping up against Louisville
“His teammates have always had confidence in him. And the coaching staff. When he shoots, we feel like it’s going in. But I thought his defense was really good that time and he just rebounded for us very solid throughout.”