Coach Hubert Davis, Armando Bacot, R.J. Davis
Men's Press Conference
THE MODERATOR: North Carolina has that joined us in the room. Who would like the first question for our coach.
Q. You mentioned the importance of just maintaining the tradition and style of UNC basketball. How have you managed to preserve that tradition while adding your own touch to the program?
HUBERT DAVIS: Well, I mean, one of the things that I talk to the players all the time is the privilege of being a Carolina basketball player, you got to be the best that you can be in three areas: on the court, off the court and in the classroom. There's no better example of that than these two individuals here in Armando and R.J.
During my press conference, one of the things I said three years ago was that the foundation of this place, Coach Smith, Coach Guthridge, Coach Doherty, Coach Williams, those are things that not only have I experienced but I believe in.
It's also important to walk the same road and same paths, but in my own shoes with my personality.
Been able to do that and feel very comfortable in that role.
Q. We joked over the summer, this is Armando's last year. This is definitely his last year.
HUBERT DAVIS: We did? You don't want to stay another year?
ARMANDO BACOT: Last time y'all are going to see me (laughter).
Q. Since he made the decision to come back, is there anything else you learned about him?
HUBERT DAVIS: No, I've known Armando since he was 15 years old. A lot of people don't know that I was recruiting right outside of Milwaukee. I was supposed to be headed to New York to recruit. The person that we were recruiting ended up not playing, so I called Coach Williams and said, Look, doesn't make sense to go to New York. I heard about a tournament in Richmond, Virginia. Is there a possibility I could just stop by there?
Coach Williams said, Yeah, sure.
I stopped back at home. Grew up outside of the Washington, D.C. area. Flew from Milwaukee, flew to Washington, D.C. Got there at 9:00 in the morning. Walked into the gym. It was 6'10", 6'9", 6'9" front line. Perfect. I got here for the 17-and-under AAU game. The guy told me no, this isn't 17 and under, this is 15 and under. It was Armando, Isaiah Todd. I was like, 15 and under?
I've known Armando a long time. It's a blessing and an honor to think not only have I been one of his coaches as a head coach and assistant coach, but been that for five years.
For somebody that is as accomplished as Armando and the character that he brings off the court, that is a coach's dream. So to have him back for the fifth-year is really a blessing and an honor.
Q. Looking at these last two seasons as the head coach of this program, your lessons learned to this point?
HUBERT DAVIS: One of the things that I talk to the guys at great length about is turning down the noise from the phone, to family to friends and the college fans. That noise comes from two different directions. The criticism direction and also the direction of praise and prosperity.
One of the things that I always say is I'm teaching life through basketball. I think one of the things that the guys, especially RJ and Armando, the guys that are returning, have understood that probably the hardest noise to manage and maintain is the one from the praise and prosperity.
Coming off of a year where you're a minute and 25 seconds away from winning a national championship, being able not to lose sight of the discipline and details that put yourself in a position just to be successful, whether it's preparation and practice and play, that's something that you have to hold onto. That's the most important part.
I really believe that's one of the many lessons that returning players like RJ and Armando have learned from last year to this year.
Q. I want to talk about the guy from Louisville, Jae'Lyn Withers, what type of impact you expect him to have for your team this season.
HUBERT DAVIS: Yeah, one of the things that I call him J-Wit. We have Jalen Washington and Jae'Lyn Withers, both of them are J.W. I say J-Wash, J-Wit.
So J-Wit, he brings something to the table that we haven't had a long time at that position, size, versatility and athleticism on both ends of the floor. I personally think he can be an elite defender. Guard one through five. His length, his athleticism, rebounding, running the floor.
On the offensive end, his ability to attack the basket, just be great at cutting and slashing, using that athleticism to be able to get to the free-throw line. Offensive rebound is going to be huge for us.
That's an area that he's improving on every day. We need him. He's a big piece of this puzzle for this team this year.
THE MODERATOR: Coach, thank you. Armando, we'll take questions for you.
Q. What changes have you made to your game to elevate this team to the next level, get prepared for the next level?
ARMANDO BACOT: Yeah, I mean, I think the big thing for me this year is going out there and playing hard every possession. I think if I do that, we'll be in a good position to win a lot of ballgames.
Also just trying to lead more, also leading by example, too.
Q. You jokingly said this is the last year. As you reflect on the memories up to this point at North Carolina, what have been some of your favorite moments?
ARMANDO BACOT: I mean, definitely just the big wins. I think that's why everyone comes to Carolina, is just being able to experience the great wins with the teammates, traveling to different places. Those all have been great for me since I've been here.
Q. Seven players out, five players in from last year. Talk about people want to come. How do you create the culture, maintain the culture, with so many new people?
ARMANDO BACOT: It's been refreshing and great to have a lot of new faces. We get a lot of different perspectives them coming from different places. All those guys are hungry.
How last year went, having a fresh start with a bunch of know faces, it's been exciting and fun. We all love each other. We like to compete, so it's been great.
