-Gates starts by saying he's excited to start Year 2, the development and growth of the staff. He's specifically excited about the returners, especially Kaleb Brown and Aidan Shaw.
-Gates is asked about his success bringing in mid-major transfers. He said they try to find guys who fit with their eight core values.
-Gates said Kaleb Brown was ready to transfer because he wasn't getting playing time but that watching Kobe Brown had an impact on him and the coaches welcomed him back with open arms. He said he's seen him shoot it better from behind the arc, have a positive assist-to-turnover ratio and rebound the ball better. Also said Kaleb is one of their best at feeding the post.
-Gates is asked what Kobe Brown being drafted in the first round did for the program. Gates said he considers him like a one-and-done because he really only spent a few months with Gates. Said it's a big deal for him and D'Moi to be in the NBA this year.
-Gates is asked about Vanover. He said they recruited him last offseason but that Vanover chose Oral Roberts and really improved there. Gates said he's going to continue to push Vanover to block shots, be an anchor on defense, shoot 3s and make smart passes.
-Gates said Dickey Nutt has been tremendous for the team and he hopes he'll get the chance to be a head coach again someday.
-Gates said this year's team has more depth. They're also going to face tougher competition early on, so he's expecting them to grow up a lot quicker, which is easier to do with the amount of experience they have.
-Gates said he wishes he could've brought the entire team here, which is why he brought four players instead of just the standard two.
-Gates said the goal this year is the Final Four. "We've never been there before. Are we a Final Four team? I don't know. But at some point this season, we're going to find out ... I'm excited about our momentum."
-Gates is asked about his success bringing in mid-major transfers. He said they try to find guys who fit with their eight core values.
-Gates said Kaleb Brown was ready to transfer because he wasn't getting playing time but that watching Kobe Brown had an impact on him and the coaches welcomed him back with open arms. He said he's seen him shoot it better from behind the arc, have a positive assist-to-turnover ratio and rebound the ball better. Also said Kaleb is one of their best at feeding the post.
-Gates is asked what Kobe Brown being drafted in the first round did for the program. Gates said he considers him like a one-and-done because he really only spent a few months with Gates. Said it's a big deal for him and D'Moi to be in the NBA this year.
-Gates is asked about Vanover. He said they recruited him last offseason but that Vanover chose Oral Roberts and really improved there. Gates said he's going to continue to push Vanover to block shots, be an anchor on defense, shoot 3s and make smart passes.
-Gates said Dickey Nutt has been tremendous for the team and he hopes he'll get the chance to be a head coach again someday.
-Gates said this year's team has more depth. They're also going to face tougher competition early on, so he's expecting them to grow up a lot quicker, which is easier to do with the amount of experience they have.
-Gates said he wishes he could've brought the entire team here, which is why he brought four players instead of just the standard two.
-Gates said the goal this year is the Final Four. "We've never been there before. Are we a Final Four team? I don't know. But at some point this season, we're going to find out ... I'm excited about our momentum."
