Damien Wilkins Chat Transcript

David Anderson asks Do you feel like you have become the 'go to guy'?
I felt like late in the season that Coach Sendak was calling my number more than he was in the beginning of the season. Anthony Grundy carried us early in the year. I tried to take advantage of my opportunity and make things happen for the team. I think I became more relaxed as the season wore on and was getting a chance to make things happen.
Parker Foxworth asks Do you regret not having been able to play in Reynolds?
I heard how loud Reynolds was. I would have loved to play there, but at the same time, the ESA is a great place to play. I don't think many colleges can say they play in as nice a place as we do.
Roland Hamby asks Do you ever get tired of being referred to as Gerald's son or Dominique's nephew, or does it not really bother you?
That was one of the reasons I changed my jersey number. That will follow me my whole life. With the success they have had I'll just have to live with it.
Keith Hamby asks What do you feel was the main attribute to last season's second half skid that kept the Pack out of the field of 64?
I think it was injury. The injury that sticks out the most was to Damon in the ACC Tournament against Virginia. We lost a close game to Maryland and I feel we could have beat Duke for the ACC Tournament Title. People said a bunch of things, but it was injuries.
Grover Gore asks Damien, What is it like to have a father and a Uncle who has played in the NBA? Also, what has the pressure of what they have done in their career, done to you?
Having a father and an uncle who played in the NBA has been a blessing. They have showed me things that might take others longer to figure out. There hasn't been any pressure from my uncle or my father to perform. They know some nights are going to be better than others. The most pressure has come from fans here to be honest and that's fine. That shows they have confidence in me and my teammates.
David Anderson asks What are your plans for the summer?
Just to get better. I'll do some work with my father, be a gym rat and get in the weight room. I want to be prepared when next season rolls around and try to be one of the top players in the conference.
Josh Brewer asks Is the non-conference schedule is already tough enough or do you feel like it should be beefed up and if it was do you think it would help the team when playing top tier acc teams?
I can't really say alot about it. I see your point however. I don't see the point in playing a bunch of teams and losing. The big thing is winning basketball games. Our conference is tough enough, it's as important to win in conference than out of conference.
Glenn Corcoran asks How do you foresee the Pack's season next year with the departure of Marshall Williams but a good incoming class.
I think our team is going to be good. I don't know anything more about the Marshall situation. Regardless, we are going to be a great team. We have enough guys who can do a lot of different things on the court.
Jamie Bradsher asks Damien, you became the leader of the NC State basketball team late in the season. How will you help the incoming freshman class adjust to the rigors of ACC basketball?
I'll be in their ear a lot about expectations. I'll tell them not to read into what people say about them and play hard everyday. Numbers shouldn't be a big issue. As long as I've been playing basketball, I haven't payed much attention to stats, it's about winning games.
Thomas Evans asks What part of your game do you want to improve the most, to make you an all around better player.
I guess my outside shooting. I think that will open up a lot of things for me like driving to the basket. I'm going to spend a lot of time in the offseason trying to improve that facet of my game.
Mark Wooten asks Do you think freshmen Scooter Sherill will be a big help since Marshall Williams is transfering?
I think so. He has a big heart and plays hard and hopefully he will come in help us.
Chris Augst What was the transition like going from being a top high school star to a freshman player in the ACC?
It was a big transition. Every night out you are playing against guys who were tops in their state. It makes you a better player and puts things in perspective. It helped me a lot.
D. Drake asks How would you rate your first year of college experience, both from the perspective of basketball and as a student athelete?
It was pretty good basketball wise, I think I improved everyday and was more than willing to put in the extra work to become the player I did at the end of the season. It's been a great environment here at NC State.

North Carolina State University Athletics

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