University of North Carolina Athletics
Q&A With Berry & Meeks
October 12, 2016 | Men's Basketball
CHAPEL HILL—As part of North Carolina's annual preseason media day at the Smith Center, junior point guard Joel Berry II and senior forward Kennedy Meeks both spoke with reporters on Tuesday, previewing the 2016-17 season, looking back at last year and more.
On what he and the team worked on in the offseason:
“For me personally, I worked on my shot again this summer and that is a big thing we need to focus on. Getting the ball in the basket. Last year we were an okay three point shooting team, but we are working to get that up. Individually I am going to work on taking initiative and scoring more. Justin (Jackson), Theo (Pinson) as well as the other guys have all worked on their shots so if I can penetrate the lane and kick it out to them, then we will be in good shape.”
On why he didn't test the NBA draft process:
“I just felt like I needed time to come back and develop my game. I was blessed to have the opportunity, but personally there are still some things I would like to accomplish here.”
On Kris Jenkins' shot from the 2016 national championship game:
“Every time I work out or practice I think about Kris' shot and just how close we were to winning the game. But honestly, it motivates me and we are going to try to get this team back in that position.”
On his goals at UNC:
“My goal here is to win a National Championship and I plan on using all of my available years to accomplish that.”
On the challenge it will be to take over the leadership role Marcus Paige left behind:
“Marcus was just so vocal and always positive. He always took the blame if a teammate made a mistake because as a leader he was that kind of guy. I am a quiet guy, but in my position that is something I am going to have to work on. So the goal for me is to be more vocal, rather than just leading by example.”
On Marcus Paige's departure:
“He instilled a lot of characteristics into a lot of us. His shadow is still here because everyone wants to be that kind of guy in the classroom, on the court and even off the court. He was a great all around guy, someone that really showed us what it meant to reach higher.”
On taking over at Brice Johnson's position:
“I definitely think it is an opportunity I need to take advantage of and it is something I think any player always wants to do. I feel like there is no greater time, place, or position to be in right now.”
On how different it is playing with Isaiah Hicks versus Johnson:
“I think Isaiah is more explosive and does a better job of getting to the rim, when he wants too. Brice definitely was the best offensive rebounder I have ever played with and he just had a such a soft touch. At the end of the day, I think they are both solid players.”
