Indiana University Athletics
Post Practice With James Blackmon, Jr.
10/14/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
On what he's seen from Hanner Mosquera-Perea so far:
"If he keeps playing the way he has, if he keeps being consistent, it's crazy the leap he took in a year. (He's gotten better) all around - just being a leader and talking to guys like me. When I first got here, he showed me the ropes, now I get it and I can tell other guys what to do."
On how Mosquera-Perea has improved on the floor:
"Rebounding, just being more aggressive all around, looking for his post play - when he gets into the lane he's not scared to go up with it."
On his biggest adjustment so far:
"We've been working out so much and lifting, so just getting used to lifting so much. I've gotten a lot stronger so I have to get up extra shots a lot. Defensively, I'm getting a lot better everyday."
On playing in a combo guard role:
"Coach just wants me to an all-around guard. He knows that in high school I played both so he's going to give me the opportunity to play both and with Yogi (Ferrell), I can play the shooting guard so that's really good."
On how he has meshed with Yogi Ferrell:
"Definitely, he knows where I want the ball and he knows how I can score and I know the same for him, so it's good."
On if he prefers either of the guard positions over the other:
"It's about the same. I really got used to being the 2 but now I'm bringing back the point guard script, so it's good."
On what Nick Zeisloft has added to the program so far:
"He came from Illinois State, he's a leader. He's a guy that talks a lot, shows the young guys what to do and always wants to be first in the drills. He's just a leader and a good guys."
On how Troy Williams has developed:
"Troy, he's so athletic. He improved his vertical by like five inches or so. Everyday he's getting better with the ball and without. Coach Crean wants him to be a leader to so it's been great."
On how much he and Rob Johnson have competed against each other in practice:
"It's always great to have another great guard coming in with you everyday. We like to go at each ocher. He shows me a lot and I show him a lot so it's good to get better."
On how much the trip to Montreal benefitted his play:
"I think we're ahead - we all know each other, we got to know each others' games and we know how each other plays. So that's always great that we got those games in and I think we'll be ready for the season."
On the team's leadership:
"Yogi has still been a big leader to this team, but we feel like everybody can be a leader on this team. Everyone can step up at any point."
On how he has balanced school and basketball:
"It's a lot different. I had to get used to it but now I've gotten really used to it and I've learned to put a lot of hours in the gym and also get my work done too."
On what he's improved since returning from Montreal:
"I've improved my strength. When we came back, we got back at it hard and everyday I'm getting better strength-wise. I've gotten a lot quicker and explosive too."
