University of North Carolina Athletics
Q&A WIth McDonald
October 12, 2012 | Men's Basketball
UNC Basketball Media Day, October 11, 2012
On talking with Dexter Strickland about being the remaining members of their class
"All the time. It's funny because me and Dex look at each other and think 'We're the last ones standing.' With the seniority, we know we have to become leaders for the team."
On helping Strickland through his injury
"Well, he was going through his surgery right as I was coming back from my injury, so I was trying to be as positive as possible because I knew what he was going through. The keys that got me through it were going to be the same keys that got him through it."
On not being able to play during the NCAA Tournament last year
"It was hard. You can say that if you sat by me and Dexter the whole time that it was hard to see, especially because we weren't playing. We were yelling, we were screaming, we were putting our heads down, and we were cheering. We were doing everything a spectator would do but it was hard for both of us because we were a part of that team.
"We tell each other our stories. I tell him how I felt and he tells me how he feels. Just from the conversations between the two of us, we learn from each other. My journey back has helped Dex on his tremendously."
On coming back healthy versus medically-cleared
"It took me a couple of months to get better, but my primary goal was to come into this season healthy. My first goal was to make it through the summer but now I'm back, I'm training hard, and I'm ready to go this season."
On shaping himself into a leader
"When you have great leaders, it comes through adversity. Me and Dex have definitely been through adversity, and just by taking that in stride we've become good leaders."
On Coach Williams telling the team about his recent medical procedures
"It was hard. I don't think anyone in the locker room was expecting it. It was hard to even look into his eyes. But he told us to lift our heads up because he was going to fight it and that he would be strong.
"This organization is like a family so anytime you hear that someone that was sick has been cured, we rejoice. We were all just happy."
On Marcus Paige
"He's a very unique cat. He may look slender, but he's very athletic and skilled with the ball. His IQ is very high, he's a great player, and he's a great person to be around."
On James Michael McAdoo
"He wants the ball. You can tell by him attacking the basket and taking shots that he's more comfortable in himself. He's done a fantastic job in the weight-room and on the court."
On Strickland playing point guard
"He's been doing really well. He's been working on his ball-handling and point guard skills, learning the plays, running the court, and getting back into shape. I think he's going to be a great asset to the position."
On the team's expectations for 2012-13
"Well, when you come in with a rebuilding team, it's hard to say. We will have ups and downs but I do know that this team will work hard to win games."
On staying a part of the team even when he couldn't play
"If they were at practice, then I was at practice. If they were going out, then I was going out. I was with them on and off the court."
On his injury helping him become a vocal leader
"It gave me the perspective of a coach and a spectator. Athletes can't always see the perspective of a coach. Seeing things this way for part of a season has given me an advantage on the court."
On being able to play again
"I'll have so many emotions. I'll be happy, nervous, and excited. They're will be so many things going on that I really can't express them."
On the health of his knee
"All of the strength is back and I feel like the old Leslie McDonald."
