Indiana University Athletics
Post Practice With Nick Zeisloft
10/15/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
On getting more comfortable with the team:
"The time in Montreal really helped us to get to know each other, with the practices before and the games. We have had nine practices now and each one has made us better and more on the same page."
On what do you like most about this team:
"I like how we respond to different situations and moments on the court. We are reacting well out there and learning from Coach Crean and the other coaches as well. The coaches pull us to the side and give us little details that are making us better everyday."
On what is different about this program than his experience at Illinois State:
"Every day you have to take care of the process. Every little thing matters, so in that aspect they are the same, whether it is a box out here or a box out there. It's at a very high level here and you have to play to the best of your ability everyday." Redshirt junior Nick Zeisloft came to IU after spending three years at Illinois State. He graduated with a degree in Finance this past summer and joined the Hoosiers for their trip to Canada. In five games, he averaged 8.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and shot 55.0 percent from behind the three point line.
On taking on a leadership role as an experienced player:
"So far, I have adapted well. We all have to adapt to different things quickly and I think we are doing a great job of it right now."
On different players taking on the leadership role in practice:
"We all help each other out. Anyone can be called upon at any point in practice. Coach Crean might say at one point `Troy, you run this team' or `Nick run your team' or `James run your team'. Every drill and every possession is important and you have to be ready to lead and take on a role on the team but also be able to follow to the best of their abiliites."
On being a vocal leader:
"It has been a lot of fun. I just try to be very vocal with my teammates and they are vocal with me. They help me out if I make a mistake and if they make a mistake, I'm there to help them out. Whenever a team has each others backs, that is what makes it the most fun. And that's when you win the most, when you have everyone's back."
On feeling comfortable in the system:
"We all fit into the system very well. We are developing our skills every day. Whether you are a guard or a big, you work on every aspect of your game so when the season comes, it's going to be fun."
On what the strengths of the team are so far:
"One, we are very close. We love spending time with each other. Most teams when they connect on the court and off the court, they really take off. That's probably one of my favorite things right now. But we know this is a long season and we just try to get better every day."
