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Senior co-captain reflects, puts focus on the Aggies

What are your thoughts after four games into the season, is the team meshing the way it should be?

I think so and I think just because of the way we played last night. A lot of times in the first game, you see a lot of guys with mistakes and miscommunication, but with us it was the opposite. We looked like we were almost playing together for a long time. We still have a long way to go, but it was very encouraging last night (Tuesday).

Kansas State looked very physical inside, Michael Wright had a lot to handle with Tony Kitt. Was it that much more important that the guards play the way they did?

Absolutely, because the inside guys are always going to be focused on by whoever plays us. So if the guards can hit the open shot consistently and penetrate, doing some things to open the lane area for the big guys, than it is going to make everything for our big guys.

Are you guys disappointed that Ohio State lost to Notre Dame, with

the possibility of facing

them ruined if you guys do go on to New York (Preseason NIT Final Four)?

From a coaches standpoint, probably you are kind of happy, but a players point of view is obviously you want to play the best. First, we got to get past New Mexico State, which is going to be tough enough, but Notre Dame and Siena are both very good teams, too, with good coaches.

What do you guys know about New Mexico State?

Well, they have four returning starters, an experienced team. The kid Channing had 26 or 28 last night (Tuesday) vs. Hofstra. They are going to be a good team, they are very physical and tough. I think they are one of the sleeper teams in the country that can upset you if you don't come out to play.

Richard (Jefferson) seems to be attacking the glass more, he looks like he is grasping the offense and defense.

Well, when you talk about attacking the glass, even Jimmy Dykes, the color commentator last night said he was probably the best athlete in the Pac-10. There is no reason he doesn't get a double-double in every game just because of his athletic ability to get on the boards and that is what we have to have him do. I was talking with (Associate head) coach Rosborough and I said I think he has really turned the corner in the right direction and I think it is going to be awesome from here.

What else from game one last night to practice today and tomorrow to the game Friday, what are the main things you guys need to work on to keep improving?

I would probably just have to say a lot of little things - weak side help, rotation from one post to another, guards jumping to the ball when it is passed. I think we are pretty good in the big picture, but there is some little stuff that we have to fine-tune.

Did Coach Olson say anything about your shot last night, if it was

Jason (Gardner) he probably would have yanked him quickly?

He probably would have, he did say we were lucky to be up 25 at the time. You know, the whole reason I shot it, I probably wouldn't have shot it, but I feel guilty if I don't get a shot up. I can promise the fans that whenever I get in the game I will try to get at least one shot up.