ASU Head Coach Bobby Hurley
On capitalizing on one of the biggest weeks so far this season (vs. St. John's and Kansas)
“Yeah, it's going to be two high-caliber opponents. We’ve been focusing primarily on St. John's. That’s the next game in front of us. I’ve had a chance to watch a number of their games and last night's game (against GCU) and I’m very impressed with the effort and energy that they have on defense. They’re certainly one of the best defensive teams that I’ve watched this year getting ready for an opponent."
On how players want to prove to national media that they’re worthy of high ranking
“We’ve just been consistent and not talked about that. We’ve just been focusing on getting better. Our practices have been real sharp the last couple of days. Our second unit is very strong because they’re pushing our first unit. Our transfers sitting out are doing great and Mickey (Mitchell) is progressing very well. We got him involved a little bit with the first unit as he is eligible to play on Sunday.”
On if Mickey Mitchell is chomping at the bit to get back on the court
“Guys don’t want to go near Mickey in practice because they think he might hurt them because he is physical and down hill. He’s a tough guy so we’re excited. I know he is. It’s been a long year sitting out. I know it’s not easy.”
On Mickey Mitchell's physical improvement from when he arrived at ASU to now
“He’s dropped 25 pounds and a whole lot of body fat. He’s been focused and he’s pushing himself. He wants to get back to the player he was in high school and projected to be at this level. He seems very motivated and he’s put the work in, and I think the guys enjoy playing with him because he is such a good passer.”
On being the only undefeated team in the western half of the US
“I’m proud of what we’ve done, how we’ve played, and winning a championship. We've played very aggressive. But we’re going to play a team on Friday that plays with such energy and works at it on defense. We had some situations today where we put a sixth defender on the court just to run around, trap and make it more chaotic because they scramble very well. They rotate very well and have great athletes with length. So it’s a big test for us. That’s why we’re not thinking as much about being undefeated. We just want to get ready to play our best game on Friday.”
On trying to stop Shamorie Ponds (St. John's) and Devonte' Graham (Kansas) defensively
“We’ve been talking a lot about those guys. They’re two of the better point guards in the United States. We’ve got some guys here that we feel like should definitely be in that conversation. So our players are motivated to play in both of those games."
On clearing coaching at Allen Fieldhouse off career checklist
“I've just been thinking so much about St. John’s. It’s hard to overlook. We are also looking at this as an NCAA tournament situation by playing a team like St. John's with the talent and the defensive mindset of an NCAA tournament team, and then if we would be fortunate to advance in that game we would be playing an opponent like Kansas that always has something to say about who advances in the tournament. So I’m anxious to go there. I’ve played at Cameron Indoor Stadium (Duke) and know what that environment is like and I’ve been told that it’s every bit that. So it should be a lot fun.”
On reflecting on last game against Kansas
“For me it was a long time ago. But as a player it was one of the greatest moments of my career. With my whole work that season and knowing that it ends with me being a National Champion and how great that feels. I felt the other side of that the year before as a freshman losing by 30 and how humiliated I was. So that made it even sweeter to win that game.”
On what you remember going up against Chris Mullin (current St. John's men's basketball head coach)
“Chris was always a guy that was from New Jersey and a few years older than me. I watched him play at St. John's and I always admired how he shot the basketball, scored and how smooth he was. He was definitely I guy I looked up to when growing up.”
On Mickey Mitchell’s mindset not playing yet this season
“Mickey again has been very motivated and focused. He’s working hard every day. He keeps pushing our first unit. I’ve talked to him leading into practice asking him to simulate what our opponent might do and he’s been great at doing those things. Now it’s his turn to get himself ready and play, and I’m sure he prefers that instead of just getting our first unit ready to play.”
On what Mickey Mitchell adds to an already successful offense
“Mickey’s very versatile and easy to play with. He’s a willing passer and he’s got a great feel for the game. I know that our guards are going to appreciate how tough he plays and how hard-nosed he is in fighting for loose balls, playing good defense, and tip-ins. He does a lot of little things to help you win games.”
On how Kimani Lawrence is doing
“Kimani is in good spirits. He is still a big part of this being very supportive of what we’ve been doing without playing. He has a good attitude and is attacking his recovery. So he’s on target for the timetable that we set initially. He has had no setbacks.”
Senior Guard Tra Holder
On coming back to Los Angeles this Friday
“It will be fun to play in front of friends and family. This is essentially my last time to do that. We’ll see what happens in the future. But it’s a good opportunity for us as a team to keep playing hard and playing together and look for another win.”
On history of playing at the Staples Center
“I’ve been in there and shot around in it. But I’ve never had the opportunity to play there so I’m super excited.”
On Shamorie Ponds
“He’s a great guard, and apparently he’s like my cousin through marriage or something like that.”
On Shamorie Ponds' game being similar to his
“We’re both up-tempo guards and he can shoot it. Both coaches give us a lot of freedom, so I can see the similarity right there.”
On practices leading up to this weekend
“These practices have been very tough and hard getting us ready to play two good games. So Coach Hurley has a lot of experience in playing back-to-back. So we’re all going to follow his game plan and we’ll be ready.”
On what Mickey Mitchell will add to the team
“He’s a versatile player. He can stretch the floor and shoot it. He can play point-four. He can do a lot of things. There’s pretty much nothing he can’t do. So I’m very happy [he'll be back], plus he’s one of my closest friends on the team, but it’s going to be a very good help.”
On how his friendship with Mickey has developed
“It’s been great. He is someone I talked to when he first got here. We go out to eat a lot so we have a close little bond. On the court it’s easy to play with a guy like him because he’s so unselfish. I’m sure you guys have seen some of his highlights in high school. He can pass the ball very well. So he’s going to bring a big plus to our team and he’s going to shock a lot of people.”
On anything specific instructions from Coach Hurley about playing at Allen Fieldhouse
“No. We’re focused on St. John’s right now and then we’ll get ready for Kansas. This is a big game for us against St. John's. They’re a great team and we’ve got to come ready to play.”
On challenges St. John’s defense offers
“I know they’re a very good shot-blocking team. They have two guys in who are leading the country in shot blocks. So we’ve got to be smart when we drive the basket, play to our strengths, move the ball, and shoot open threes. We’ll be fine.”
On remembering Rupp Arena (Kentucky) atmosphere with Allen Fieldhouse game looming
“We just have to stay composed. We have senior guards who have played in big games and big arenas. Arizona and San Diego State were big tests for us last year. We have to stay put together as a team and stay composed.”
Sophomore Forward Mickey Mitchell
On finally getting back on floor
“It’s been a long time sitting out almost two years now. I’m tired practicing against the starters. I just want to get in there and play now.”
On how to prepare for Allen Fieldhouse
“You can’t really prepare for that. You have to be in that situation to prepare for that. I’ve played in big arenas before. I haven’t played there but the Big Ten has some big places as well.”
On toughest part about sitting out
“You just said it: Sitting out. Not being able to help these guys on the court. I do as much as I can to help them in practice get ready for games. I think I’ve done a good job at that, as has Rob (Edwards), and a couple of the walk-ons.”
On how you measure success
“With the win-loss column. I think winning is the most important thing. We have to keep this undefeated record going and keep this 7-0 record going and stay undefeated I think.”
On how to incorporate a smooth transition when joining team
“I think it’ll be a smooth transition with me getting in. I’ve been playing with these guys for about a year now. So when we get out on the court it’ll be pretty smooth.”
On how long it’ll take to knock out initial rust
“I really can’t even think about that. I just need to go out there and hustle and do what I can. I know how I can play. I’m not going to try to do too much. I want to keep them going right now. They’re all hot right now shooting the ball so we’ll keep them going."
On body transformation
“When I got here I was pretty chubby. I couldn't even dunk when I got here. It was sad. I knew where my body could have been and where I could have been athletically so I mentally had to get myself right. I had to do my own stuff outside of practice and I worked with our strength and conditioning coach. He helped a lot.”
On practicing with teammates yet not being able to play
“I take pride in it because I’m a team guy. I know that if I get into it with the guys it pays off and they could tell you that I go hard.”
On why ASU was appealing to transfer to
“I knew Coach Hurley prior [to transferring]. When he was at Florida I spoke to him a few times. Seeing him coach when I got on campus and seeing how he treated the guys [was appealing]. He’s a player’s coach. On the floor we play hard defensively and do what he asks and he gives us freedom.”
On transition from Big Ten to Tempe
“I couldn't stress this enough: It was a great school I was at but I don’t think I was built for it. I’m from Florida."
On capitalizing on one of the biggest weeks so far this season (vs. St. John's and Kansas)
“Yeah, it's going to be two high-caliber opponents. We’ve been focusing primarily on St. John's. That’s the next game in front of us. I’ve had a chance to watch a number of their games and last night's game (against GCU) and I’m very impressed with the effort and energy that they have on defense. They’re certainly one of the best defensive teams that I’ve watched this year getting ready for an opponent."
On how players want to prove to national media that they’re worthy of high ranking
“We’ve just been consistent and not talked about that. We’ve just been focusing on getting better. Our practices have been real sharp the last couple of days. Our second unit is very strong because they’re pushing our first unit. Our transfers sitting out are doing great and Mickey (Mitchell) is progressing very well. We got him involved a little bit with the first unit as he is eligible to play on Sunday.”
On if Mickey Mitchell is chomping at the bit to get back on the court
“Guys don’t want to go near Mickey in practice because they think he might hurt them because he is physical and down hill. He’s a tough guy so we’re excited. I know he is. It’s been a long year sitting out. I know it’s not easy.”
On Mickey Mitchell's physical improvement from when he arrived at ASU to now
“He’s dropped 25 pounds and a whole lot of body fat. He’s been focused and he’s pushing himself. He wants to get back to the player he was in high school and projected to be at this level. He seems very motivated and he’s put the work in, and I think the guys enjoy playing with him because he is such a good passer.”
On being the only undefeated team in the western half of the US
“I’m proud of what we’ve done, how we’ve played, and winning a championship. We've played very aggressive. But we’re going to play a team on Friday that plays with such energy and works at it on defense. We had some situations today where we put a sixth defender on the court just to run around, trap and make it more chaotic because they scramble very well. They rotate very well and have great athletes with length. So it’s a big test for us. That’s why we’re not thinking as much about being undefeated. We just want to get ready to play our best game on Friday.”
On trying to stop Shamorie Ponds (St. John's) and Devonte' Graham (Kansas) defensively
“We’ve been talking a lot about those guys. They’re two of the better point guards in the United States. We’ve got some guys here that we feel like should definitely be in that conversation. So our players are motivated to play in both of those games."
On clearing coaching at Allen Fieldhouse off career checklist
“I've just been thinking so much about St. John’s. It’s hard to overlook. We are also looking at this as an NCAA tournament situation by playing a team like St. John's with the talent and the defensive mindset of an NCAA tournament team, and then if we would be fortunate to advance in that game we would be playing an opponent like Kansas that always has something to say about who advances in the tournament. So I’m anxious to go there. I’ve played at Cameron Indoor Stadium (Duke) and know what that environment is like and I’ve been told that it’s every bit that. So it should be a lot fun.”
On reflecting on last game against Kansas
“For me it was a long time ago. But as a player it was one of the greatest moments of my career. With my whole work that season and knowing that it ends with me being a National Champion and how great that feels. I felt the other side of that the year before as a freshman losing by 30 and how humiliated I was. So that made it even sweeter to win that game.”
On what you remember going up against Chris Mullin (current St. John's men's basketball head coach)
“Chris was always a guy that was from New Jersey and a few years older than me. I watched him play at St. John's and I always admired how he shot the basketball, scored and how smooth he was. He was definitely I guy I looked up to when growing up.”
On Mickey Mitchell’s mindset not playing yet this season
“Mickey again has been very motivated and focused. He’s working hard every day. He keeps pushing our first unit. I’ve talked to him leading into practice asking him to simulate what our opponent might do and he’s been great at doing those things. Now it’s his turn to get himself ready and play, and I’m sure he prefers that instead of just getting our first unit ready to play.”
On what Mickey Mitchell adds to an already successful offense
“Mickey’s very versatile and easy to play with. He’s a willing passer and he’s got a great feel for the game. I know that our guards are going to appreciate how tough he plays and how hard-nosed he is in fighting for loose balls, playing good defense, and tip-ins. He does a lot of little things to help you win games.”
On how Kimani Lawrence is doing
“Kimani is in good spirits. He is still a big part of this being very supportive of what we’ve been doing without playing. He has a good attitude and is attacking his recovery. So he’s on target for the timetable that we set initially. He has had no setbacks.”
Senior Guard Tra Holder
On coming back to Los Angeles this Friday
“It will be fun to play in front of friends and family. This is essentially my last time to do that. We’ll see what happens in the future. But it’s a good opportunity for us as a team to keep playing hard and playing together and look for another win.”
On history of playing at the Staples Center
“I’ve been in there and shot around in it. But I’ve never had the opportunity to play there so I’m super excited.”
On Shamorie Ponds
“He’s a great guard, and apparently he’s like my cousin through marriage or something like that.”
On Shamorie Ponds' game being similar to his
“We’re both up-tempo guards and he can shoot it. Both coaches give us a lot of freedom, so I can see the similarity right there.”
On practices leading up to this weekend
“These practices have been very tough and hard getting us ready to play two good games. So Coach Hurley has a lot of experience in playing back-to-back. So we’re all going to follow his game plan and we’ll be ready.”
On what Mickey Mitchell will add to the team
“He’s a versatile player. He can stretch the floor and shoot it. He can play point-four. He can do a lot of things. There’s pretty much nothing he can’t do. So I’m very happy [he'll be back], plus he’s one of my closest friends on the team, but it’s going to be a very good help.”
On how his friendship with Mickey has developed
“It’s been great. He is someone I talked to when he first got here. We go out to eat a lot so we have a close little bond. On the court it’s easy to play with a guy like him because he’s so unselfish. I’m sure you guys have seen some of his highlights in high school. He can pass the ball very well. So he’s going to bring a big plus to our team and he’s going to shock a lot of people.”
On anything specific instructions from Coach Hurley about playing at Allen Fieldhouse
“No. We’re focused on St. John’s right now and then we’ll get ready for Kansas. This is a big game for us against St. John's. They’re a great team and we’ve got to come ready to play.”
On challenges St. John’s defense offers
“I know they’re a very good shot-blocking team. They have two guys in who are leading the country in shot blocks. So we’ve got to be smart when we drive the basket, play to our strengths, move the ball, and shoot open threes. We’ll be fine.”
On remembering Rupp Arena (Kentucky) atmosphere with Allen Fieldhouse game looming
“We just have to stay composed. We have senior guards who have played in big games and big arenas. Arizona and San Diego State were big tests for us last year. We have to stay put together as a team and stay composed.”
Sophomore Forward Mickey Mitchell
On finally getting back on floor
“It’s been a long time sitting out almost two years now. I’m tired practicing against the starters. I just want to get in there and play now.”
On how to prepare for Allen Fieldhouse
“You can’t really prepare for that. You have to be in that situation to prepare for that. I’ve played in big arenas before. I haven’t played there but the Big Ten has some big places as well.”
On toughest part about sitting out
“You just said it: Sitting out. Not being able to help these guys on the court. I do as much as I can to help them in practice get ready for games. I think I’ve done a good job at that, as has Rob (Edwards), and a couple of the walk-ons.”
On how you measure success
“With the win-loss column. I think winning is the most important thing. We have to keep this undefeated record going and keep this 7-0 record going and stay undefeated I think.”
On how to incorporate a smooth transition when joining team
“I think it’ll be a smooth transition with me getting in. I’ve been playing with these guys for about a year now. So when we get out on the court it’ll be pretty smooth.”
On how long it’ll take to knock out initial rust
“I really can’t even think about that. I just need to go out there and hustle and do what I can. I know how I can play. I’m not going to try to do too much. I want to keep them going right now. They’re all hot right now shooting the ball so we’ll keep them going."
On body transformation
“When I got here I was pretty chubby. I couldn't even dunk when I got here. It was sad. I knew where my body could have been and where I could have been athletically so I mentally had to get myself right. I had to do my own stuff outside of practice and I worked with our strength and conditioning coach. He helped a lot.”
On practicing with teammates yet not being able to play
“I take pride in it because I’m a team guy. I know that if I get into it with the guys it pays off and they could tell you that I go hard.”
On why ASU was appealing to transfer to
“I knew Coach Hurley prior [to transferring]. When he was at Florida I spoke to him a few times. Seeing him coach when I got on campus and seeing how he treated the guys [was appealing]. He’s a player’s coach. On the floor we play hard defensively and do what he asks and he gives us freedom.”
On transition from Big Ten to Tempe
“I couldn't stress this enough: It was a great school I was at but I don’t think I was built for it. I’m from Florida."