Oct. 9, 2007
SAN DIEGO -
San Diego State Men's Basketball News Conference
Aztec Athletics Center
Junior forward Ryan Amoroso
On his first year playing in the Mountain West Conference:
"Being away from the game for almost two years, I'm not really sure what to expect. I saw all of the games last year, but comparing the Big East to the Mountain West is like comparing apples to oranges. Personally, I think we have a bunch of guys who have talent, want to work hard and want to win. As long as we bring the effort, I think we will have a good year."
On having to sit out last year due to transfer rules:
"It's been a long two years, but practice is starting up here on Friday and I can't wait to get out there. It was tough sitting out last year, but it was also a learning experience because it gave me the chance to sit back and see the ins and outs of the conference and the program, and it also got me acquainted with the players I will be with for the last two years of my career."
Junior forward Lorrenzo Wade
On the loss of Mohamed Abukar to graduation:
"It is the same atmosphere and we will still be a family. We have some new guys who have come in and brought a great mixture of talent. Everybody is eager to learn and wants to win, so you can't go wrong with a team like that."
On the process of maturing and becoming a leader:
"(Becoming a leader) comes with age and experience. Richie Williams has been starting since his freshman year, so he knows the ins and outs of Aztec basketball and the Mountain West Conference and I try to follow his lead."
On the critics:
"Everyone knows we still have talent here at San Diego State, not to take anything away from Brandon Heath and Mohamed Abukar. It is not our job to prove the critics wrong. We just have to go out there and do what we can do to win basketball games and keep Coach Fisher happy."
On the newcomers:
"We have a great group of new guys who are very athletic and they all work extremely hard. (Guard) D.J. Gay puts a lot of pressure on the ball on defense and (forward) Tim Shelton is a monster on the boards. We also have (forward) Billy White, who to me is the most athletic guy that we have on the team, and then (guard) Kelvin Davis is a very experienced guy having played at UTEP and at the junior college level. I think we brought in the perfect pieces to the puzzle and they will fit in well on this team."
Junior guard Richie Williams
On the rapid approach of the 2007-08 basketball season:
"(The basketball season) came very fast and I'm excited. Nothing is better than when the season comes around. With my time here almost up, I am just excited to play in every game that I can."
On the upcoming season:
"There will be a lot of exciting basketball this year. We are going to have a lot of fun out there and we'll definitely show the fans something."
On the impact of the loss of three starters from last year:
"As captains, it is up to Lorrenzo and I to fill those voids and we will have to do it in a variety of ways. Sometimes we'll have to pick it up on the scoring or rebounding end, but we will definitely have to be the leaders both on and off the court."
On the process of maturing and becoming a leader:
"We just take it all in stride. It is our role as captains to set an example for the younger guys and sometimes you have to pick (those skills) up by watching and learning how to be a leader."