University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Ready to Hit the Hardwood
August 26, 2002 | Men's Basketball
Aug. 26, 2002
The five returning members of the University of North Carolina men's basketball team met with members of the local media Monday afternoon to discuss the upcoming 2002-03 season.
Tar Heel seniors Will Johnson and Jonathan Holmes as well as sophomores Jawad Williams, Melvin Scott and Jackie Manuel addressed questions about last season and their summer preparations for this season.
All of the returning players expressed great optimism and excitement about the upcoming season.
Senior Forward - Will Johnson
How do you see your role as a senior as different from seniors in the past?
I guess it is a little different, but really we're not trying to do anything different. We are not trying to change our personalities or be something we are not. I think that if we come into the year and do the things we've been doing (which include) working hard everyday and staying committed to team concepts.
We've been on winning teams before. We've been to a Final Four, we've been ranked #1 in the country. We know what the difference is between being one of the best teams in the country and being on a team that wasn't as good. I think we can relay that message to the guys.
Senior Guard - Jonathan Holmes
Has your approach been different coming into this season as opposed to last season?
I approach every year the same. (I spend) every summer working out, working hard and that's just been my mentality. I've just kept the same mentality ever since I was a little kid, as far as working out and preparing.
Sophomore Forward - Jawad Williams
How do you see yourself as a leader on this year's team?
One thing I can do as well as everybody else is lead by example. Not much needs to be said, you just have to go out and play hard. Anybody can be a leader.
How do you feel about facing a tough schedule this season?
I love that. It's competition, and that's good. Even if we lose all of our games, we've still got the ACC Tournament. We can use that experience that we took in the regular season and apply it there. So, the competition is going to be great.
Sophomore Guard - Melvin Scott
How is your confidence approaching this season after last season?
I feel more comfortable. Getting that one year under you belt is very important on the collegiate level because of the mental aspect.
What do you think about the six freshmen?
Those guys are ballers. They are confident, eager to learn and they look up to us. When they first came in we took them out to eat and took them under our wings as little brothers.
Sophomore Guard - Jackie Manuel
Comments about the six freshmen
The young guys coming in are ready to work hard and help us turn this program around.
