NCAA Men's Regional Semifinals and Finals: Atlanta Friday, March 23, 2018 Atlanta, Georgia Bruce Weber that he wanted so badly? Xavier Sneed BARRY BROWN, JR.: It means a lot to us and this program, to the K-State history. He's been to a lot of Kamau Stokes our practices just to be there and see the hard work that we put in. Knowing the history and knowing him Makol Mawien not being able to play in any game versus Kentucky, we just wanted to go out there and just do it for him. And Cartier Diarra once we got it done, I knew he was so proud, was so happy. He just kept saying in the locker room and in the huddle, just hugging everyone. So ultimately I think Barry Brown, Jr. we all did it for him. Kansas State Wildcats Q. Xavier, Coach touched on this last night, but has BRUCE WEBER: Well, obviously just excited to be part playing the 4 opened up some things for you as of this, to move on to the Elite 8. It was a very short opposed to playing the 3 in this tournament? night, long night, and the thing I emphasized to these XAVIER SNEED: I believe so. You know, just guys, they really got to kind of block out everything spreading out the court more with more guards on the that's going on around them and really focus on court helps us out a little bit, and just having different preparing for Loyola. You know, we've got to be in -- points of attack. We still have an inside presence with we can't worry about what happened yesterday, can't Mak and Barry and being able to dribble and drive to worry about next week. We've got to take care of the hoop. And, of course, we have shooters on the business right now. court at all times, so I believe it helps us out a lot.

They've been so good at focusing and really taking into Q. Cartier, you being from South Carolina, how has the game plan, and that's got to be there tomorrow. it been having probably more family being able to We've got to get our mind set right, our heart right, and see you play here in Atlanta than maybe they would play at a high level tomorrow because they are very be in Manhattan? good, tough, 31 wins. I don't care what league you're CARTIER DIARRA: It's been great. It's been fun. The in, that's big-time. Won 13 in a row, 20 out of 21, fans' support, the love, all the people that went to something like that, and then they seem to make a lot school with and grew up with, getting to come see me of big plays, three game winners since they've been in play has been a joy. But just enjoying the moment, the tournament. So we have a tough challenge ahead living in the moment, and ready to get this next one. of us. Q. Barry, you all were here in this position when Q. For any of the players, there was some you played the hot mid-major in UMBC and they controversy about the handshake last night with were winning games, they were dangerous. Now Kentucky. Were any of you offended by that, and here you are playing Loyola in a similar situation. what was your vantage point on that situation? Do you think the UMBC experience maybe helped BARRY BROWN, JR.: Well, I mean, I think we were this team refocus and realize the challenge ahead? just cheering too much and didn't really get kind of BARRY BROWN, JR.: Guess you could say that. I organized to be able to get in that line and shake their mean, we know that every team right now is trying to hands. Maybe they just walked off just because they make history. I've been talking to my guys about just didn't think that we were going to get organized and be making history for K-State, worrying about us, and able to shake their hands. worrying about what we can do to stop each and every opponent, respecting them, and just going out and Q. Barry, there's great video of you hugging Ernie playing K-State basketball. Barrett in the locker room. What does he mean to you guys, and what did he say to you, and how Q. Barry, what is K-State basketball? important was it for you guys to get the vindication BARRY BROWN, JR.: First off, it's defending. We take

Rev #2 by #166 at 2018-03-23 19:39:00 GMT page 1 of 7 a lot of pride on defense. Got to get better at road ahead of you, so you can't be satisfied. You've rebounding. Once we get that stop, pushing ball got to enjoy that win, like you said, it was for short transition, making the right pass, playing for each other. period of time, and we've just got to focus on the next Just making open plays, staying confident no matter game. what the situation is, what the score is, and what's going on in the game. Just staying together, never Q. Barry, with how much basketball is trending getting away from each other, and picking each other towards fast-paced, chucking three-pointers, you up when we're down. guys really dig down for defense. Coach says you take pride in it. Why is that? What made you guys Q. Xavier, what, if any, is there like a moment with recognize that that was the type of game you had Coach Weber that's kind of like defined your to play? experience with him or just kind of getting to know BARRY BROWN, JR.: Just knowing their style of him over this time? offense, they like to get up-and-down, use their length XAVIER SNEED: Coach Weber, we've been knowing and athleticism just to get easy run-outs and dunks and each other a long time. He recruited me. So just being kind of make a lot of flashy plays. But we knew with around him all the time to pick his mind. He's a great our principles and the things we learned since I've coach, great guy, and just him being around and been here my freshman year, defensive-wise, that we getting some of his wisdom is great. could guard anyone, no matter the height differential or the weight and size. We knew that just being in the Q. Kam, how plugged in are you guys to the history gap, helping each other, helping a helper and of K-State basketball, in that for 40 years up until rebounding would be a big task, and we were able to the early '90s, this program was shoulder to go out there and do it. shoulder with the Kansases and Kentuckys, and maybe what this game tomorrow means for the Q. Barry, what have you seen or what have you older fan base and the history of the program? learned from Loyola so far in your preparation for KAMAU STOKES: You know, I think that win yesterday tomorrow night's game? meant a lot, especially to the older families, like you BARRY BROWN, JR.: See that they move the ball a said, and the people that played before us. We knew lot. They trust one another a lot. Got a lot of good that we could compete with anybody in the country, pieces, inside-out presence. They have a good player and I felt like we showed that today, and we've just got in -- I think it's Custer, Clayton Custer, I think. Yeah, to keep moving forward. I mean yesterday. My bad. he's a good player, will score from all three levels. So it's going to be a great task to defend him and do my Q. For Xavier, there's been a lot said about the best. grittiness and toughness of this team. When did you first see that evidenced in this team, and that Q. Barry and Kam, this is your third year in the showed yesterday with the success late after the program; you guys have really grown in and foul trouble. Did you worry as the fouls grew last through this. Was there a time where you felt like night? you could get to this particular point? If so, when XAVIER SNEED: I had confidence in all the players would that have been? Would it have been this and being able to step up in the moment. But I found year or maybe prior to this year? out about the greatness of this team back all the way in BARRY BROWN, JR.: I mean, I knew coming in, the spring around this time last year. Just guys being in program had some rebuilding, but I knew with the conditioning, getting up shots after conditioning, dead pieces we had, we just needed time to get a little bit of tired, doing all the extra things, and just helped us to experience, gel together, and come together and really get to this point right now. And that grittiness and fight buy into the program. And I feel like this year is the really just came from each and every one of us, and first year we have just that experience that we need just having that desire to win. and everyone buying into it, and not really worrying about their own individual accolades and goals and Q. Last night your coach said you guys only had 15 stats and stuff like that. I feel like we're all really here minutes to celebrate. Maybe Stokes and Brown, to play K-State basketball. I knew this time was you can answer this: What's the balance like of coming. It was just a long time coming, a lot of hard knowing you're so happy, thrilled to have gotten work and dedication and preparation. this far, but you really have to calm it down because you still have so much more to I knew it from the start. accomplish? KAMAU STOKES: You can't be satisfied. You've made KAMAU STOKES: Like Barry mentioned, I felt like it to the next round and you know you've got a tough experience was the biggest thing. Freshman year, we

Rev #2 by #166 at 2018-03-23 19:39:00 GMT page 2 of 7 came up short; sophomore year, we made it to the tournament, didn't get as far as we wanted to get, and MAKOL MAWIEN: I'd probably say Drake, Look Alive. we learned from those situations. And I felt like this year, we were able to overcome a lot of things, just KAMAU STOKES: I don't even think I have a specific based off our experience. song. Yeah, I don't have a specific song. Migos, something like that. I don't know. Q. Cartier, what is the most difficult part about this type of turnaround that is so quick? As Coach BARRY BROWN, JR.: I'd probably say "I Get the Bag" mentioned, you're getting ready after the euphoria but Gucci Man, featuring Takeoff and Quavo. of last night's win in such a short time, you're turning around and playing a team that's 31-5. Q. Bruce, how sensitive have you been over the CARTIER DIARRA: I think the biggest turnaround is course of your career to criticisms about recruiting just you don't have a lot of time to scout. But we have when you're not sort of operating in that five-star a lot of faith in our coaching staff, and everybody does level? And is there any sort of extra satisfaction a great job. I know they stayed up all night getting for you, given all the controversy around the sport ready for it. But we just have to be locked in in the little this year that you bring a team here that is not a bit of time we have and just be prepared and be ready team full of five-star type kids, it's been a more to go out there for a dogfight. developmental type team? BRUCE WEBER: You know, I don't -- it doesn't bother Q. Cartier, obviously being from Florence, not me. Obviously I'm human, and I really try to stay away terribly far from here, you had some people come from social media, from papers. I used to listen to talk in. Are you expecting even more, and is there radio and then I became a head coach, and I had to go anybody that surprised you that maybe came and to country music, so -- just to have something to listen showed up that you weren't expecting? to and not hear people talk about me. CARTIER DIARRA: Yeah, I'm expecting some more. My mom came out, so that was nice. She thought she I just try to do it the right way. You know, at Purdue, couldn't make it, but then she made it, so I was happy years and years as an assistant, we got a lot of kids about that. that weren't top 100 that ended up in the NBA. We did the same at Southern Illinois, took it to the Sweet 16 Q. Barry, it was no surprise that there was a lot of with guys that weren't even recruited by other Division I blue in the stands last night, but now that you guys schools. Illinois, I think we've done okay there. We did have sent Kentucky home, are you kind of hoping some special things, had some guys play in the NBA. maybe neutral fans adopt you, or on the other side, do you kind of wonder if Loyola as the feel-good You know, I just tried to do it right, the way I feel it team, getting a lot of national pub in that respect, if should be done. I don't like what is going on in our maybe the neutral fans here from Atlanta will kind business, to be honest. You know, but it is -- I just kind of adopt that team? of -- you can't do anything about it. If it is that bad and BARRY BROWN, JR.: I don't really think it matters, some of the stuff comes out, it needs to be changed, especially to me and our players. We've played in and I hope it does get changed. super tough arenas. We also play in Bramlage which is a top arena. So we know the home feeling and we But all I can worry about is myself and making sure know the away feeling like we're nowhere near home. I that I do things the right way and help them develop, don't think it matters, but we're going to feed off the and I know when the paper comes to your door or the energy from our fans that we know our fans, and just news comes on, my kids don't have to worry that I did try and get this win. something I'm not supposed to.

Q. What's the song that you play before you go out Q. Did you have any problems with the Kentucky onto the court? Do you have a pregame song players or coaches in the handshake -- that's your favorite song? BRUCE WEBER: I'll be honest, I shook hands with BARRY BROWN, JR.: Sheesh. Can we start with everybody, and I don't know -- I turned around, and like Cartier? the guys said, I didn't see what happened. Maybe our guys were celebrating and didn't get there. You know, CARTIER DIARRA: I've been really listening to "Don't it's done and over with. It's such an emotional game Give Up" by Gunna. Y'all can go Google that. for both teams. Obviously it's tough to try to keep your emotions. XAVIER SNEED: For me it would probably be J. Cole, "January 28th." I told our guys, hopefully we act with class and do

Rev #2 by #166 at 2018-03-23 19:39:00 GMT page 3 of 7 things right, but all we can worry about now is what's And so much is match-ups, and there's so many good coming up, and that's got to be our focus, getting ready teams not playing this weekend, and that's what I kept for Loyola. emphasizing to our guys. I don't care how we got here, we're playing. UMBC beat the No. 1 team in the Q. I'm sure on some level you've been conscious of country in Virginia. So they must be pretty good, at the early skepticism of a segment of the fan base, least on that given night, they are and that given and this was a little different than the last question. weekend. I wonder how you process that in terms of their embracing you, and how different it feels now to But I think you've seen it more and more, the balance, have turned this this way. I don't know how you've the guys leaving early. The teams that keep guys and contended with that through the years. get older, they have a chance of beating people. Our BRUCE WEBER: You know, no matter where you are, guys talked about experience is such a difference there's always somebody that doesn't like you. Jud maker. Heathcote, years ago he would call me when I took a job. He would say 10 percent of the fans don't like you, You know, so I think it's part of college basketball. It's and it's going to increase every year, and that's every what makes March Madness special. job. It's so hard with social media now, faceless opinions that can go negative, and then that influences Q. What is your reaction to facing Loyola in the other people, even though they might have no Elite 8, a 9 versus 11, given your history at Illinois, knowledge. and do you feel vindicated as a coach somewhat based upon the way things ended with the Illini to It's part of it all. Again, all I can do is do my job right, be back on this stage? recruit my butt off. I think if you go and look, I go out BRUCE WEBER: Well, I'm happy for our guys to be more days maybe than anyone else as a head coach, here. This is a great group, and they've worked so and I've always done that. We recruit good kids, and hard to get here, and it's -- I'm glad they're being they graduate. For the most part, we've won. I think rewarded. But they've rewarded -- they've earned it. you go back, and some of the greatest -- the greatest They've rewarded themselves by how hard they play, part of Purdue's history, greatest part of Southern how they play together. Illinois's history, greatest nine-year run in Illinois's history. And now we won a Big 12 championship that To play Loyola, we can't -- I told the guys, you can't hasn't been done in 36 years, and now we're doing look at the name, you can't look at the league. You've something special here. got to look at the team. They're a good team, and they've -- I mentioned they beat Florida at Florida All of it -- it is what it is. I just care about our players, to earlier in the year, they beat Tennessee who won the be honest. You've got a guy, hometown product or SEC; they beat Miami out of the ACC. So they've got state product in Dean Wade who's one of the best to be pretty good, and whatever they've done here as players in the country, and I hope people appreciate of late, they're hot. They play together. They've got -- that. And then our other guys, how hard they've it's kind of interesting, experience, but then they've got worked and how much they've improved, and I hope some young guys that have really stepped up. they're cheering for them, to be honest. You look at them, great togetherness, Porter has done Q. This whole upstart thing has obviously been a a great job with them. They guard, they scheme, they theme throughout the tournament, particularly this play off each other. So it's -- you know, it's going to be region. But we're going to have at least three low a tough game. We're going to have to play special, seeds in the Elite 8, which seems extraordinary. As and that's what I keep emphasizing to our guys. a guy who's been involved in college basketball for a while, are you surprised by this at all, or should Q. What kind of relationship have you had with we expect more of this in the future? Porter Moser over the years as your paths have BRUCE WEBER: I'm not surprised. There's such good crossed? balance. You know, you just look at our league: Ten BRUCE WEBER: You know, I've known Porter just teams, all of them probably could have been obviously being in the business, being around him. We tournament play, seven in the NCAA, two in the NIT, played one time. He was at Illinois State and I was at and Iowa State, if they don't get a couple of guys hurt, Illinois. We had to play our butts off. In fact, Illinois they might have been in the NIT. You've got such good fans, Deron Williams broke his jaw and had it wired, balance, SEC, the ACC. There's just so many good and we weren't going to play him, but we were teams. struggling and Deron came and had to play with a wired jaw and pretty much won the game for us.

Rev #2 by #166 at 2018-03-23 19:39:00 GMT page 4 of 7 maybe? He's got -- I know because of Tony Barone, because of BRUCE WEBER: Yeah, I don't think there's any doubt. Coach Majerus, guys that he had gone through. I think If he continues to make the progress that -- when NBA he's got a little bit of both those guys, the toughness, guys come, and we've had more come -- we had the defense, the scheming, the discipline, the shot obviously Wes last year. And we had some guys with fakes, all those stuff I watched those coaches do. And Rod and that group before that. When they come and he does it, and that's why they're good. watch, when they watch Wes, right away they brought up Xavier. And obviously they look at athleticism, they You know, he's a good guy for the business, and I'm look at his size, and he's got to make that progression. happy he got a second chance, and he's been able to have success because, as I said, he's a good person, He took a big step this year. He knows -- and I've told good coach. the story before. He came into the office, he said, Coach, don't even say anything when we had our year- Q. If I understood you correctly last night, I think end meeting. I know what I need to do. It's much you alluded to some things you might have derived harder than I thought, and I've got to work at it. from Coach Snyder, maybe particularly on points of focus. But I just wonder in general to what degree And I hope he has the same mindset this year because you've borrowed from him or learned from him and he's taken one step, now you've got to take another been influenced by him? step. If he keeps making that progress, he has a BRUCE WEBER: Well, one, when I got the job, Roy chance to do it. Like Wes, because of his versatility Williams -- I've told this story -- called me, and he said, and athleticism. He has a chance to play at the next two things: First, it's a long way to the Kansas City level. airport. And he said, the only -- he said it was long to Lawrence, but the only good thing is right when I got Q. Bruce, if you could take us back to the 2014- off, I saw the sign 94 miles to -- or whatever it is, to 2015 season when you kind of had the culture reset Manhattan at that point. And I said, Coach, I'm sorry to in the program, how difficult was that knowing that tell you, but we have direct flights now in and out. And perhaps by letting some of these talented players he said, no way. And I said, yes, we do, so we can go go that you wouldn't even be around to finish it to Dallas and Chicago. But he said the other thing, through and to still be coaching there? you'd better grab on to Coach Snyder and learn as BRUCE WEBER: Well, I believe in doing things the much as you can. right way, and I said many times, K-State, Coach Snyder has created -- there's a culture there. There's a I think you guys know he's not somebody that's going pride. There's a family. When people say family, to bring you in his office and -- but I've gone in, talked everywhere they are, this nation, this family, it's truly to him, obviously just watching him, listening to him, there. It's special. Until you're part of it, you don't whether it's media, press conference, after-game, really realize it. being around. I learned a lot from our radio people, Stan and Wyatt, because they're around him so much, You know, I've said, we want guys that make K-Staters and how he prepares, and how important is the game, proud. Our guys weren't acting the right way. A couple one game at a time, all that stuff. of them came, I thought were pretty good kids, and things happened in life and they changed. And then And believing in -- when everybody else, like this year, another couple we maybe didn't look into it enough or thought they had no chance, and they go to Oklahoma trusted people that were in their little circle that they State, and all of a sudden they're kicking their butt. were going to do things the right way. We had to make And he was the one who focused on the game plan a decision, a hard decision, but at the same time, it and getting them ready, and those guys were ready, was not fun to coach. and that's -- I've kind of learned from that. There's no doubt about it. People have asked me what's the best thing about this year. It's fun to coach. We have kids that I don't have But just amazing what he's done there, and he to fight them every day. I haven't had to raise my voice, deserves his name to be on that stadium. maybe a handful of times. I didn't have to every day wake up and worry are they doing the right thing. You Q. I'm sure you've seen things and players who know, are they taking care of business. That's no fun wound up playing at the next level in their college to watch. days that led you to believe they could. Do you see anything with Xavier, especially after a game last I wanted guys that wanted to be there, wanted to do night, that kind of lends a glimpse at his potential things right, wanted to get better and improve. It was

Rev #2 by #166 at 2018-03-23 19:39:00 GMT page 5 of 7 hard, it was difficult, but our staff should get some BRUCE WEBER: Barry Brown, there's no doubt about credit. They stayed the course. We did. And now it. When he was a freshman, I said, who's going to be we've got some guys that have made the strides to our defensive stopper, and he's very stubborn. He's a help us get here. little bit confident, overconfident, but he said, I am going to be, Coach. And he got cooked a little bit as a Q. At Illinois you met a guy like Jim Fannin who freshman, got better last year. He was one of the tops became somewhat of an advisor, I believe. I in the nation in steals a year ago. And then this year, wonder how he's helped you throughout your he kind of has taken it on, just to be the stopper. He career, especially in some of those more difficult hasn't probably gotten as many steals because he's times. been locked in on so many guys. BRUCE WEBER: Actually talked to him this morning, and got some little ideas about some themes. I always You just look at the tournament, Big East Player of the try to have themes, quotes, things for -- actually it Year, Marcus Foster, Lyles, American East player, last started at Southern Illinois. We brought him in kind of night Alexander, SEC, I think MVP of the tournament, if before he even got on to the scene, and he talked to I'm right. And then even last night, we had to switch our guys and latched on to us and did a great job. him on Knox.

You're always looking for motivational guys, speakers, He's been the leader. Xavier has really taken some that can help the players, help the coaches, take them pride as the season has gone on in being a stopper. to a new level. And he does a great job with that. We've convinced him of that. And then the other guys just have kind of bought into it. He texts me off and on during the year, sees things, watches our games, gives me little tips, ideas. And I Q. Did you come up with your pregame quote yet love that stuff, and I think our players buy into it also, for this game. And a side question, I wonder if you some ways to focus on the game, but also the week, could describe what was going on with Kam last the season, whatever it may be. night. You were on the court, you had both arms around him and you were laughing. It was kind of Q. Kansas State basketball, much of its history has a tense time. You got him laughing. been forgotten by the nation. Four Final Fours, but BRUCE WEBER: Well, with Kam, I was just trying to the truth is the last one was 54 years ago. What get him to calm down. He had kind of messed up on would this mean for the program and kind of the defensive side and didn't run a play, got going fast. etching your name in this team's history into that I just said, hey, you've got to calm down, just relax. legacy? You've got to smile. You've got to enjoy it. We're not BRUCE WEBER: Well, it would be special, there's no mad at you. We just want you to do well and do what doubt. When you talk about some of the greatest you're supposed to, stay calm and poised. I guess I coaches in the history of college basketball, obviously got him to smile a little bit, and he made some big Tex Winter, Coach Hartman, Jack Gardner, Cotton plays. Fitzsimmons, it's amazing. And when people come to our practice facility and walk in and see those guys, I Obviously he's not where he should be or could be and don't think people realize it. where he was, but we keep telling him he can help us, and he's done great things to help us to be here. And as you said, it was a while ago, and people -- we'll say names of -- we'll say Michael Jordan to our players And then with the theme, actually I was talking to Jim or to young kids, they don't even know who he is. this morning on the phone a little bit, and the coaches, That's how things change. we always think of some ideas. But for tonight, we'll probably talk about mostly, really don't worry about But it would be great. I mean, you saw the emotion of yesterday, don't worry about tomorrow, worry about Ernie Barrett yesterday, and he's a special man, Mr. K- today, and preparing. We've talked all this last stretch State, done so much for the University. Obviously it about your body, taking care of it, your mind, your would be -- he's one that's alive and experienced and preparation, and then your heart, playing for your been part of it. For him it would be special, there's no teammates. And that's kind of what we've kind of stuck doubt, and for our program. with as a general thing over this last month.

Q. Is there one player that you can point to who's Q. You're a 9 now in the Elite 8, and in 2002 you set the example for the defensive toughness that were -- Southern Illinois in the Sweet 16, but you this team has, and if not one player, is there one also had the No. 1 team in the country in 2005 that factor that you attribute that to? was very close to being undefeated. When you're

Rev #2 by #166 at 2018-03-23 19:39:00 GMT page 6 of 7 on a run like this, is it more fun if you're the one that is not supposed to be here than the one that And then when other people came in, some of the is? bigger schools, the local schools, he already committed BRUCE WEBER: Well, I think both of them are to us, but he -- the dad said, hey, where were you guys obviously enjoyable, just to advance each time with before, these guys have been here the whole time, so each group. But you know, there's no doubt when you we appreciate their loyalty, so glad to have him, and -- like Southern Illinois for what we did, you know, just glad it's worked out for him. to win one and then to win two and then to go -- I mentioned the other day, we walk in there and it's UConn, it's Maryland, it's Kentucky and Southern Illinois. You know, our guys were all giggling when we were running out for practice. I said, what's the matter. They said, Coach, look at those banners. We don't belong here.

But two of those guys were at our Charlotte games, a couple were here last night, and they just said, make sure they don't get tight, that they enjoy it, that they're ready to play. I thought our guys were very, very focused.

You know, the run with Illinois, just amazing how our guys stayed the course with all the attention. I mean, every day we had this many people doing stories about us because we had a chance to be undefeated. I know the week that I said I am not going to allow any media on, I got hugs, kisses -- into the practice facility. They were so happy, because they just wanted to relax and be young men.

But all the runs are special. There's no doubt.

Q. I was just wondering with Barry, how did you come across him on the recruiting trail, and how has he sort of developed for you? BRUCE WEBER: Well, our staff does a great job of finding guys, and we don't have a great big population base in Kansas, and we got one pretty good player from there. If you look at the rosters of Kansas, Wichita, and us, there aren't a lot of Kansas kids. They've had some great history in Kansas basketball, Kansas City, Wichita basketball. But it runs in cycles. It runs in cycles, and it's been a little bit of a down cycle. Hopefully it'll pick up. So we've got to go all over the place.

Barry was actually the eighth man on his AAU teams but he was on a team with kids that went to Duke, Louisville, North Carolina, I mean, all the top kids. And we just appreciated how he was patient. He stuck with that team because a lot of guys, if you're eighth man and you're good, you're going to another team, and he stuck with them, and when he got his chance, he always did good things. And that summer, he got away from his team one weekend, and he was the leading scorer at the Oladipo camp, and there was no doubt in our mind that we wanted him. And Coach Frazier did a good job with him and his dad.

Rev #2 by #166 at 2018-03-23 19:39:00 GMT page 7 of 7 NCAA Men's Regional Semifinals and Finals: Atlanta Friday, March 23, 2018 Atlanta, Georgia Porter Moser much ownership do you take in that title for the Cameron Krutwig school? Like is that something if you got into some trash-talking, would you bring up the fact Ben Richardson that this happened in history, or is it so far removed that you guys never even really think Marques Townes about it? DONTE INGRAM: I mean, when you talk about having Donte Ingram pride for your school, and tradition comes up in conversation, obviously, that's something that -- Loyola has the only championship in Illinois. A lot of people Clayton Custer forget that. I mean, we take a lot of pride in that. Loyola Ramblers That's something that doesn't go away ever, obviously. Yeah, we take a lot of pride in tradition, and our history PORTER MOSER: Just excited for our guys. I mean, is very important. they're ready. We just had a great workout, and same kind of prep. You've got one day to get ready for MARQUES TOWNES: I mean, yeah, just like Donte Kansas State. We've got a ton of respect for Kansas said, it's great tradition. I know we always talk about -- State. They've guarded as well as anybody in this the '63 team always comes in and always tries to talk tournament. I think they're giving up 33 percent in to us and give us their support. They always joke three games. Really a lot of respect for how hard they around and say we're better than them, that they have play, especially how they're guarding. support for us. And we're happy to talk to them, and we're happy to have them along on this run. Like he Q. Ben and Clayton, Clayton, I know you mentioned said, it's tradition, and we're looking forward to the next you had some friends who were Jayhawk fans back challenge. home. Any K-State connections for either of you, friends, family, et cetera? Q. Has there been anything they've told you in this CLAYTON CUSTER: Yeah, I mean, me and Ben both tournament that has been useful or has been a know a lot of people from our high school that go to K- motivating kind of thing for you guys? State. We have a lot of friends that go there, people CAMERON KRUTWIG: I don't know if they've told us who we were really close with in high school. Yeah, anything in this tournament, but obviously they're we've definitely gotten some texts and calls from always around. They come to practices and stuff like people who go to K-State for sure. that. It's just cool to see those guys kind of around and that they're still connected with us. It's not even really Q. What are the nature of those? sometimes about basketball, it's just kind of about CLAYTON CUSTER: Oh, I mean, they're pulling -- I stories that they have and things that they've think they're kind of pulling for us, just because of our experienced in their life. Not necessarily just about relationship. At least I hope they are. They might be basketball, just about their life and how they grew up saying that to my face. I don't know if they actually and stuff like that. So when I came here, it's definitely believe it or not. But yeah, it's all good natured. pretty cool to see those guys around and just kind of learn history from them and just kind of take what I BEN RICHARDSON: Yeah, I mean, I've received lots of wanted from them. texts, as well. You know, I got a couple that were like, cheering for you to win this game, but if K-State wins, Q. Donte, as a kid growing up in Chicago, did you then I don't know if I can pull for you, like joking around. have an awareness of Illinois basketball and what But it's all in good nature. We get a lot of good support Bruce Weber did with that program and the from back home, and it's been really good to see all the success they had even going as far back as 2005? people reaching out to us. DONTE INGRAM: Yeah, I mean, obviously growing up in Danville, Illinois, which is very close to Champaign Q. Donte, I was curious with the '63 title team, how Urbana and the U of I campus, I was very aware, a big

Rev #1 by #166 at 2018-03-23 20:24:00 GMT page 1 of 7 fan of Dee Brown and all those guys, and that was a leave it all out there and do whatever we can do to help big thing when they were going up against North the team win. Carolina on their great run. That was basically the school for me growing upright next to U of I. Yeah, BEN RICHARDSON: Yeah, I mean, it's definitely a lot obviously I'm aware of the tradition, the 217. Another of big-time moments. And just being in this position, guy from the 217, so yeah. like Donte said, we're just super grateful to be here, and we're grateful for all the hours that our teammates Q. Clay and Ben, talk about three Blue Valley have put in, our coaches have put in. You know, we're Northwest students in this, the exposure for Blue not necessarily thinking about basketball immortality or Valley Northwest, Overland Park, the Kansas City what it means to get to a certain point. We just want to area in general, from two teams that a lot of people win the next game, and we're focused on what we've didn't expect. Talk about the exposure for the area got to do daily and in our preparation and all the little back home. things that we've got to do leading up to winning the CLAYTON CUSTER: Yeah, I mean, it's obviously really next game. cool for us. I think we're making Coach Fritz a popular guy right now. He's been joking with us that we're You know, I mean, that's just the main focus is taking making him famous. I don't know, it's been really fun. care of the next one. It speaks to a lot of what Coach Fritz has done with that program, Blue Valley Northwest. It has to be one Q. Marques obviously hit the big shot last night, of the best high school basketball coaches in the your first year of eligibility. Can you just talk about country. your journey to Loyola and getting to this point like from high school and everything? I'm glad that me and Ben are getting to experience this MARQUES TOWNES: Well, first off, I want to thank as well as Mason over there at K-State. We have a Coach Moser for recruiting me after I decided to real good relationship with him and just happy for him transfer. That was a really good moment for me that he's getting to experience this, too. coming to my official visit at Loyola and just being there. When I first got there, it just felt like family, and BEN RICHARDSON: Yeah, just to go off that, we're that was the main thing for me. It felt like a home. So super blessed that Fritz put together that team back in, that's when I decided to come here. whatever, third grade, fourth grade, and we came together and ended up at Blue Valley Northwest and The journey has been long. Unfortunately, we didn't got a chance to be taught such an advanced level of have any postseason tournaments last year, but we basketball at a young age. He instilled so many values had a real good team. We had real good heart. Just and intensity and just the right way to play for me and trying to push the guys in practice all last year. It was a Clay growing up. And it was just great. long journey. For any redshirt, for any player that has to sit out, it's kind of rough mentally, but you just stick It's good to see that he's kind of getting in the spotlight with it. a little bit. He came down to all the games, and he's so happy for us. It's really special, and it speaks a lot to And now this year, I'm just fortunate and blessed to be how great of a coach he was, that me, Mason and Clay, with these guys. This is a special group of guys right all down here playing in the Elite 8. here, and we've been doing this all year, just one game at a time. Coach has instilled a good culture in us, and Q. This is for Donte and Ben. You guys have he's just a really good coach, and I'm really happy to reached a crossroads that most college athletes be playing for him. don't get to, which is that if you win, it's like basketball immortality, but if you lose, your Loyola I'm just happy to be in this position in the Elite 8 now. careers are over. What must that feel like? This is amazing. Just my first year back, I can't believe DONTE INGRAM: You know, obviously we're very it, back-to-back NCAA appearances. It's amazing. happy and fortunate to be in this position, but we don't take any of these moments for granted. You know, Q. Clayton, I guess you and Dean were back-to- obviously being seniors, me and Ben -- I've been here back Gatorade Players of the Year, right, in since day one with Ben, from freshman year to now. Kansas? How well do you know each other as We've came a very long way together. that? And along with that, why are there so many Kansas people in this tournament at this stage? Obviously to be here in year four, and we're in the Elite CLAYTON CUSTER: Yeah, I mean, I think it speaks to 8, and a week from now, college basketball will be over, Kansas high school basketball. I think there's a lot of we don't take these moments for granted. We want to good players in the area. I mean, Dean was a really

Rev #1 by #166 at 2018-03-23 20:24:00 GMT page 2 of 7 good player in high school. We don't know each other The first time we played, we played in an open gym barely at all. I had somebody tweet a picture at me. against Ish and Amaad probably in like fourth grade. There was like an All-State banquet thing when I was And that was the first time I met them, and we like like a sophomore or junior, and I didn't even remember guest-played in tournaments together and stuff like that we were both on it at the same time. But there that. was like -- we were standing right next to each other in the picture, me and Dean. That was kind of funny. But So it's cool to see how far we've all came, and it's a we don't really know each other very well at all. good, mutual respect for the way that each of us has worked on our game to get to this stage and the Elite 8. But I mean, I think it just goes to show Kansas high school basketball might be a little underrated, and I Q. Coach, this whole upstart thing obviously has think that it might deserve a little bit more respect. been a theme throughout the tournament, particularly in the South Region, but there's going Q. Clayton, a little detail kind of, but I noticed after to be at least three low seeds in the Elite 8, maybe the last game, you did a TV interview on the court, even four potentially. As a guy who's coached for a and you turned, and a number of K-State players while, are you surprised by this? Should anybody just came up to you and congratulated you. Were be surprised by this? If not, what has sort of fed those guys you knew, or was that just they were into this do you think moving forward? swept up in the ending and happy for you? PORTER MOSER: You know, I'm not surprised. You PORTER MOSER: So one of them was Mason know, watching, being a fan and a coach for so long, Schoen, and me and Ben played high school it's madness. There's things that happen. I think basketball with him. He went to Blue Valley Northwest there's a lot of parity in the game, and I love it for our with us, but he was a year older than us. We won a league. There was a lot of talk that we weren't going to state championship together. We obviously have a get in if we didn't win the tournament, and we know in really close relationship with him, and we're happy for the Missouri Valley how good a league it is from top to him that we're in this situation. bottom. And for us to get in here, I think it's going to spark conversation about this, and I know the And then the other one was Amaad Wainright. We committees have such a hard job. Trust me, I know. I grew up playing against him around the area in Kansas know people on the committee. It is a really, really City, and his older brother, Ishmail, played at Baylor, hard job. and we all know each other. We all work out in the same gyms all the time in Kansas City. We have But it was -- I'm not surprised there's low seeds in mutual respect for each other, and I think that we're all here. I mean, things happen. There's a lot of parity, happy that we're in this -- like experiencing this at the and especially when you -- you get a group, and we're same time. kind of hitting. We've got a group that really believes. They're finding ways to win, and things happen this Q. What will it be like, particularly playing against time of year, especially when you get a group that just guys who you played against in high school, now believes and has made some really clutch shots down seeing them on this level, the biggest stage you the stretch. guys have ever been on? CLAYTON CUSTER: I mean, it'll be cool. I think once Q. You said it should spark conversation maybe or the ball goes up, it's a basketball game. We're going to could. What should the conversation be? be competing, trying to win the game. But I mean, PORTER MOSER: Well, about, you know, the system, obviously we know a couple of the guys over there, and I think it's tough. There was so much talk that we we know what they can do. So I mean, I think we'll be weren't even in the conversation to get in, and we felt talking to our guys about the guys we know on their that we won our league by four games. It's an amazing team, and I'm sure they'll be talking about us over stat with Clayton Custer; we're 29-2 with Clayton there. Custer. Because he was injured five games. I just think it's -- we have a lot of respect. I think there's a lot But like I said, I think once the ball goes up, it's a of leagues that are really good. competition, and we're going to try to win the game. Now, I understand it. I understand that it's a hot topic BEN RICHARDSON: Yeah, I mean, I think it's definitely with this, and trust me, I'm the first one to say, the a lot of mutual respect. We kind of understand where committee has a really hard job. each other has been and a lot of the hard work that each other has put in. Like Clay said, we've spent a lot But I think it's -- I'm very proud of our team, what we've of time working out in the same gyms for a long time. done, now we've gotten in, and we've shown that we

Rev #1 by #166 at 2018-03-23 20:24:00 GMT page 3 of 7 belong here. This team did. in the community of doing it the right way.

It's hard to imagine if we didn't win the tournament, and Q. What do you remember about the time you not get this opportunity and get this stage. I know it's a played against Illinois and Bruce Weber, and how reality of the way the tournament is, but I think that -- would you describe your relationship with Bruce the first part of the question was am I surprised that over the years? there's low seeds advancing? And my answer is no, PORTER MOSER: Bruce is a great coach, great guy. I'm not surprised that low teams are advancing. I've known him over the years. Illinois guy. What I remember is the one game we played there, and I Q. I'm sure there were lots of milestones along the know -- trust me, it sticks in my craw, that game. I was way that you would know about, but it's seven at Illinois State. We were just taking over that team, years for it to hit in a quantifiably huge way. How and we were in last place when we got there, and we much has it meant for you to have that time to build played the team with Dee Brown, Deron Williams, it your way? Luther Head, Roger Powell, Augustine, they were PORTER MOSER: You know, like you know from being loaded. Not that I look at lines, but it was probably a there in Chicago, it was a grass-roots rebuild. But the 25-point underdog. But we went in there, and we had dynamics changed when you jump to the Missouri a shot to win it at the buzzer. We missed it. It goes Valley, when we jumped. The first year we took a step into overtime. back, and then that second year in the Valley, we won 24 games, and we won the CBI Tournament. Deron Williams wasn't supposed to play. It was one of those things, yeah, he's not going to play. He plays, And we've just kind of been building and getting our and he has like 29 against us, and we lost in overtime. arrow going up. And I think -- I hope we're an example of, you know, it takes time. I get it. I've been there. So that was -- and I think at that time, I don't think Fans, administrations, they want it so fast, and it's Illinois State had won at Illinois ever, or it had been tough. umpteen years, but I remember that game vividly. They were a great team, and Deron Williams went off Culture is when your young guys come in, and the and had a great game. That was my experience of that older guys have the habits of what you want, of what game. you want to build. Culture is about the accumulation of a bunch of habits, and when you take over a program, But Bruce has got a ton of respect all around the if it's down, then you have a whole locker room of guys coaching profession, just always been -- from his days you didn't recruit, and it's going to take some time. at Southern to Illinois to here, just phenomenal team Your first recruiting class comes in, it's going to take defense. They're physical. They don't make it easy. some time. They make it hard. So a ton of respect for what he's done at every stop of his journey. We really started turning the corner when Donte and Ben were freshmen, and those seniors were a guy like Q. My question, I guess, is about Clayton. You Christian Thomas, a kid like Joe Crisman, a kid named mentioned being 29-2 with him in the lineup. London Dokubo, really, really tough kids. And those Obviously he has wonderful skill but probably young guys came in like this is how it's going to be. some intangibles, too. I'm curious what it's like This is how you're going to act off the floor, this is how coaching him, and could you tell us a little bit hard we work, this is how hard we invest. And now, about as a player what stands out to you about look, now they come in, now Cameron Krutwig, Lucas him? Williamson, Christian Negron, they come in and these PORTER MOSER: It's a kind of -- all these guys are guys are seniors. This is all they know now is our coaches' dreams kind of kids. It's by design. That's culture. It takes time. some of the character we recruit. But Clayton is one of those guys that -- it's like how they talk about a great So the feeling of building it and really getting it to this quarterback in the huddle; if you're in that huddle, you point the right way with culture, I'm blessed and -- you hear offensive linemen and other positions say, you just know, the administration and the fan base were know we're going to march down that field because of steadfast on this is how we want. We're not going to the confidence he instills and everything. bend on the academics at Loyola, that's first and foremost, and the type of character and the person that That's kind of the way they feel with Clayton. Clayton is at Loyola. We're not going to bend on that. So we has that ball and he's leading us, you have that comfort were on the same page. level that he's just got a high IQ. You talk about off the floor, I mean, he's an Academic All-American. He's a That is such a great example of trust in your fan base,

Rev #1 by #166 at 2018-03-23 20:24:00 GMT page 4 of 7 first-class citizen. After practice always getting his inbounds two or three times, which you're vulnerable to shots up. You don't have to coach -- I can say this turnovers. about all these guys. I don't have to coach energy. I don't have to coach effort. We can coach the So you have a small window to make that decision, and fundamentals and the detail of the game. at that time -- I probably would have done the same thing. You're gambling on your defense. They get a That's a big reason why I think we're making a step stop, they've got seven or eight seconds, and they're a forward. Our time and energy is focused in on the -- fast transition team. the culture of energy and effort is already instilled. Clayton is one of those guys, he's got a winning You know, he's a really good coach, and I'm telling you, mentality, as a lot of them do. He's about winning. Nevada was one of the hardest teams I've had to scout This is a great statement about Clayton Custer: The against in a long time. It's just one of those things they first game Donte hit the big shot, and he was up here can go either way. Marques made the shot, and then I humbly saying, you know, any one of these guys could knew I wanted to call a quick time-out because they have shaken that shot. just blow and go. And you at least -- because they can score in two seconds. The next night against Tennessee, Clayton hit that shot. He was humbly up here saying the same thing. So that was just kind of my thought process at the end And then we had a week where Clayton got a ton of of not calling a time-out because with fouls to give, their hype. I mean, we're on campus, we had a welcome length, switching everything, you've got to inbound it back party, Clayton was -- hit the shot to go to the two or three times in a row, which was prone for a Sweet 16. And he's in the position to do it again. And turnover if something went wrong. a lot of people would be like I'm going to do that again, and he drew the help, drew the corner, and kicked it, Q. Talking about the preparation for Nevada, I was and it was just a winning play. And then Marques was struck going in the locker room all the posters with the one that stepped up and hit the shot with three the plays all over the wall. What goes into that minutes left. work? What's the benefit? And how do you turn around that much information in what's a really Clay did the same thing. We drew a little play for him, short period of time heading into tomorrow? drew the baseline, turned, found 'Dre for a shot. Didn't PORTER MOSER: You know, I think we underestimate try to force it. If he has it, he takes it. If he doesn't, he the youth on how much they can absorb. Some people knows how to spray it. He's about winning instead of have that philosophy of, I don't want to give them too like, I've got to get mine. much, overload. Our guys embrace it. But in terms of that, the way that locker room looks, you know, you Q. If I can just ask you, I didn't get a chance to get could rewind the clock to every locker room at St. Louis into your press conference the other day, but right with Rick Majerus. You could rewind that clock to Utah before the three-pointer that ended up being the with Rick Majerus. I took that from Coach. game winner, Nevada's two fouls down with fouls to give. Were you surprised they didn't foul you to We travel with it. We have a war room. We put get you to the line before that three-pointer? everything up. We travel with it in the locker room. The PORTER MOSER: No, because he was in the same guys embrace it if they're sitting -- I don't know if it's boat I was. You have to make a split decision. There through osmosis or anything. It's if you can pick up a was a point there where we were like, should we -- you competitive advantage on stopping a play here or start to think, should I call a time-out? This is a big there. But this group embraces preparation. You can possession. There was a six- or seven-second hear some of the things they say. They embrace it. difference. If they foul, then you're pretty much saying, you were going to try to make them miss free throws Some people's philosophy think it's overkill. I because they're going to foul and foul and foul again understand that. There's a million ways to skin a cat. until you get it because the shot clock resets, right? That's something these guys embrace, and in terms of They rolled with their defense. And they can score so how that locker room looked, what you're referring to, it fast. had Rick Majerus all over it.

For me, I decided not to take a time-out because then Q. Given all the controversy around college you have to inbound the ball, knowing they have some basketball this year, how much of a relief is it that fouls, and they could be denying everything and you recruit at this level and typically you guys making -- they could hold, grab, do whatever, because aren't involved in the top 100 kids and some of the they have fouls to give, and we'd have to get it stuff that goes along with that?

Rev #1 by #166 at 2018-03-23 20:24:00 GMT page 5 of 7 And secondly, do you think maybe that is part of It just solidified about what we were trying to do. And I why the country has kind of embraced this run that said from there, the past is a part of our future. And you guys are on, because it kind of seems a little that '63 team had zero ego. They were never like, hey, different maybe than what some of the other top you'll never be us. We're the -- bowing our chest on programs do to build their teams? this. They've had open arms, trying to be role models, mentors, whatever it is, to our guys from the moment I PORTER MOSER: You know, I can't speak about how stepped on campus. And you appreciate that. They're the country feels or not. I love how our team has been about the right thing, the right way. embraced because I think we play the right way. I think we share the ball. I think we're tough. And I think They paved a path for so many of the student-athletes they've embraced that mentality. to come after them that I hope the story to the youth is being told and told again, that they know what the You know, in terms of recruiting, I'll be honest, I want to Game of Change and the Loyola '63 team meant to our recruit top 100 players. I do. You name one coach that country and the world of college basketball. says they don't want to recruit -- I want to get those players. We're going to continue with that. Q. Porter, how would you describe the level of surprise maybe your players have now because You know, I think we're getting very good players. I do they seem a little bit more matter of fact today. I think -- we've never been a team of recruiting a number don't know if the novelty has worn off, if they just because it's rated this for your fan base. We've gotten have gotten used to being the team that maybe has guys that fit what we do. But trust me, I mean, we're opened some eyes. going to continue to recruit at a high level. PORTER MOSER: You know, Andy Katz said that to me. We were talking in the locker room, and he said, But you know, we believe there's a certain way to do it. I've never seen the team so chill after they went to the We're going to -- obviously follow the rules and do it the Elite 8. Trust me, these guys are bouncing off walls. right way. You'd be -- that's something that we all want They're so excited. They're embracing it. But it's just to recruit at a high level and those players. It's not kind of been who we are, about the next game. because we don't want to go down that path. That's They've wanted more. not the case. These kids, there's so many good kids out there. There's so many good coaches out there I told this story to some press yesterday. When we doing it the right way, and we all want the same thing. won a share of the conference title, the Missouri Valley, at Evansville, so we knew we were co-champs with Q. It's very unusual to have four players sitting on three games left, and we were at least co-champs. the front row from a championship team of 55 And I did a courtside interview, I come in the locker years ago or whatever. Heard the players talk room, and it was just -- I'm like, you guys, we're -- they about what it means to them. For you, what kind of were like, no, they didn't even want to celebrate. resource is that, not only for your players but for They're like, we want the word "co" out of that equation, you, and what do you think it would mean to them and it's been like that every step of the way. to have you guys continue this run? PORTER MOSER: Well, in 2013, I was fortunate When we got into the tournament, it was like, we didn't enough to ride their coattails to the White House. want to just be here. It's just kind of the way they are. President Obama had us in the White House for the Trust me, we've had -- they're bouncing around like 50th anniversary for the Game of Change. And I got to little kids. They're so excited. But they just have this spend a couple days with them as we traveled to edge to them that they believe and they want more, Washington, D.C., and I was just blown away by their they want more. They enjoy the moment. character, about the stories they told, just sitting there listening to the whole story behind the Game of Some of these team meals back at the hotel after these Change. wins are priceless, when everybody is not around, and it's just us, a couple hours after these three wins, and I love that this run is sparking the renewed after our win in the conference tournament, and just conversation of what that team meant to our country those moments are unbelievable. Like little kids. And and integration, and to hear the stories firsthand from the next day, it's like -- like today, it was all about them and to hear the brotherhood that they had, the Kansas State, where it is. It's just kind of how they're black guys, the white guys, everyone together. It was a wired with that. brotherhood, it was a high character. They embraced the Loyola education. Q. I would like to ask, Coach, about Rick Majerus. Obviously a great coach, but I'm curious as to

Rev #1 by #166 at 2018-03-23 20:24:00 GMT page 6 of 7 maybe the two or three things that you took from him more than anything else in developing as a coach for yourself. PORTER MOSER: You know, the way he taught it, he was a teacher. He embraced being a teacher from his days. My college coach, Tony Barone, was a teacher. That era of coaches started out, you'll hear stories, I started out in grade school, then I started in high school and I was a teacher. I remember Coach Barone getting mad at me because I went from playing for him at Creighton to coaching at Texas A&M. And he's like, you guys skip a step in the youth nowadays. It's true. I had to teach, I had to do this, I had to drive the high school van. That era was embraced being a teacher of the game.

And working for him and then working for Coach Majerus, the attention to detail was off the rails. He was meticulous about teaching. He loved practice. And I've embraced that. Now, honest to God, head coaches, boosters, fans, players, assistant coaches love game day. Head coaches don't love game day as much as them. We love practice. So I took that from him.

Sitting in a boardroom with Coach Majerus for a couple days preparing for a game was like nothing else. The way he looked at the film and talked about this, that, stopping this, what could we do, how do you do that. And then watching him game plan, his mind work was terrific.

You know, I think that was some of the things. And then building it the right way. It kind of solidified what I've always tried to do is get kids who want to win. Coach Majerus, anybody who played for him and knows him, he had an affinity for post players. You look at his teams at Utah, he was stacked with big players. So I'd bring him a post player, I'd talk to him in the recruiting process. And his first question wasn't, was he athletic, how high did he jump, what could he do; it was does he love the game. That was the first question he'd ask, because if the big loves to play, I can help him get better. He always wanted to know that.

That's why he'd love Cameron Krutwig. Coach Majerus would love Cameron Krutwig. The kid loves to play. But I took a lot of those things from Coach.

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