Indiana University Athletics
Player Thoughts On Upcoming Hoosier Hysteria Presented by Smithville
10/22/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Bloomington, Indiana - This Saturday, the IU men's and women's basketball teams will celebrate the start of the 2014-15 season with Hoosier Hysteria. Several members of the men's basketball talk about the upcoming event. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the program begins at 6 p.m.
Autographs will follow for an hour after the team scrimmage. Parking is free and tailgating is encouraged.
On how excited he is to participate in his first Hoosier Hysteria as an Indiana basketball player:
"I'm definitely going to be excited because I've been watching it the last couple of years so being able to be out there is really going to be a special moment."
On being able to interact with fans during Hoosier Hysteria:
"It means a lot to me just to have Indiana across my chest. Growing up here, you know about the fans and how crazy it is, and I'll get to see it firsthand Saturday."
On what it will be like to play in front of IU fans for the first time:
"I know there's going to be a lot of love shown because I think a lot of people have been wanting to see me here for a while so I feel like I can show a lot of love back too and it's just going to be a lot of fun for everyone."
On his excitement to experience Hoosier Hysteria first hand:
"I'm pretty excited. It looks like a pretty neat thing and I get to be with all of my teammates, so it'll be fun."
On the Hoosier Fan Base:
"The fan base is definitely loyal. They all know who is on the basketball team and they are really good to us."
On his excitement level to participate in Hoosier Hysteria:
"It's ridiculous. The guys that were on the team last year, they were telling me that it's a great experience - something that I'm not ever going to forget. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm really excited."
On how important Indiana basketball is to the fans in this state:
"It's actually unbelievable. I didn't know it was that serious at first, but as I saw how they react when we walk around and how they greet us and everything like that. It's a really big deal around here."
On being a privilege to be able to play basketball at IU:
"Yeah, without a doubt. I don't take it for granted. I just take it as an opportunity for me to get better."
On his excitement for Hoosier Hysteria:
"It's going to be great walking out there with a new group of guys - starting a new season, turning over a new leaf and getting ready to show these fans what we're made of and get the season rolling."
On being able to interact with fans during Hoosier Hysteria:
"Definitely - everybody is so excited to meet us. It's really humbling to see how much of a role model we actually are to a lot of these kids around here and how far people actually come just for Hoosier Hysteria - people come from all over the country."
On what it will be like for the younger players:
"It will be a great time - there's nothing like going out there for the first time, seeing how much support there is and how much of a show it is and how Hoosier nation really does come together to show their support - it always brings chills."
On his thoughts on being able to compete at Hoosier Hysteria:
"I'm really excited for it. It's about to be a lot of fun. I missed it last year, so this year will be my first year even though this is my second year here at Indiana. I can't wait for it."
On what to tell the newcomers who haven't experienced Hoosier Hysteria:
"It's exciting - every seat is filled, there are a lot of people there, all eyes are on you. This is where everyone gets to find our who you are and this is when you understand what being a Hoosier is all about.
On coming to Hoosier Hysteria on his recruiting visit:
"Coming here as a recruit, it was a lot of fun. People already knew who you were. It was a real crazy experience."
On his Hoosier Hysteria experience:
"It's going to be exciting to do it again. Last year was fun. I think it's going to be a great opportunity for the freshmen to get a chance to see Hoosier Hysteria and feel up close to the Hoosier fan base. It will be a great experience for them."
On his first visit to Hoosier Hysteria:
"When I was committed I came to Hoosier Hysteria. Just walking through the court going to my seat, it was like I was already in it. It was just like I was a part of it already. It was a great experience for me."
Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell
On what Hoosier Hysteria means to him:
"It's a chance for me to go out there and play with my team, to get a feel with my team. It's a good experience for the fans to get a little preseason taste of what they're going to see for many months to come."
On your first Hoosier Hysteria:
"At my first Hoosier Hysteria, I got chills. It was great coming here my first year. It was great to run out there and play with my team. What that did for me, it just showed how much appreciation the fans have for us. That's the first time it was sold out, so it was just a great experience."
Media Contact: J.D. Campbell (jc56@indiana.edu)
