NCAA Men's First Four: Dayton Tuesday, March 19, 2019 Dayton, Ohio Remy Martin Zylan Cheatham communication with them. I reached out to some of my former teammates, Malik Pope, some of those guys, just to get a feel how they went about approaching each day. And everything's THE MODERATOR: We're joined by Arizona State been pretty consistent as far as effort, and just student-athletes Remy Martin and Zylan Cheatham. maximizing each moment you're on the floor. And I'm Questions? extremely grateful to be here. Q. Remy, can you give us an update on how you Q. What is Bobby's best quality as a coach? feel and maybe just from the game last week to ZYLAN CHEATHAM: My personal favorite thing about now just how that progression has been? him is just the way he relates to us from a player's REMY MARTIN: It's been very well. John, our standpoint. Obviously he played at the highest level. tremendous trainer, has been doing very good, working He's done things that we want to accomplish as on me and getting me ready for tomorrow. Today, we players. So he relates to us. He knows when to turn it took a light practice. I'm on the court. And I'm feeling up and expect more of you and when to put his arm good. I'm feeling good. around you and comfort you to a certain extent.

We're at March Madness. I'm healthy. I'll be healthy He's just a very relatable guy. Even practice-wise, he when I get on the court. I'm just here to help my team knows when he's going too hard, and when I was win. But I'm feeling good. Took it light today, felt nice. playing I know I would be tired in this case. So he I'll be ready for tomorrow. knows how to tailor things like that. And he's changed my life, to be honest. So I love him as a coach and Q. Just the way that you came back on Friday and player. obviously pushed through when you weren't 100 percent, could you just talk about how much it REMY MARTIN: Same here. I mean, everything. means to you, regardless, to be on the court with Everything. Whatever I need, on and off the court, it's your guys? not only about with him; it's how you're REMY MARTIN: It means a lot to me. It means the doing outside your basketball life. And he relates to us. world, just to go out there and compete and play the game that I love, but also for my brothers. I know that And I'm a guard. He was a . He's they want me on the court. And I just did whatever I done everything that I want to do in my life. So what could to -- nothing will stop me. We're too late in the better guy to have than him? season. We're in March Madness now. I'm going to do whatever I can to help this team. But I'll do whatever I Q. Zylan, you referred to this, but I'll ask both of can. It's now March. It's win, lose -- or go home. And you, growing up and throughout your life, you we're here to stay. watched March Madness. What is it about it that it really appeals to you? And what are your favorite Q. Zylan, this being your first NCAA Tournament, moments from having watched it all your lives? have you leaned on any teammates that might have ZYLAN CHEATHAM: I think what makes this so special been here or a coach or maybe a different mentor is I mean everyone has a season. There's 300-some to give you any advice or guidance on just being odd teams in the Division I level that have a season. on this stage? But not everyone gets to go to this event. There's a ZYLAN CHEATHAM: Considering how much select few handpicked teams that get to go to this tournament I've watched just over my five years of event. That in itself is special. college and pretty much my whole life, I mean, it almost seems to a certain extent like you've been here. Like I But just the competitive atmosphere. Everybody is said, I've talked to my guys. I got to experience it with pretty much fighting for their lives. It's almost like a them last year -- not actually here, but I was in constant Fortnite HUNGER GAMES type of thing. It's just an

Rev #2 by #188 at 2019-03-19 18:20:00 GMT page 1 of 5 unbelievable experience, a special moment for me. find positive in every situation. And to be here and have that quick turnaround doesn't give us time to rest, I recall watching that UConn game and just seeing doesn't give us time to kind of -- I mean lose our , that whole conference tournament sharpness to a certain extent. leading into the NCAA Tournament, just that whole run, it was unbelievable. And I can recall vividly the shots And we're going to try to turn that into an advantage for he made, just some of the moments he had. So I'd us as far as coming off of a really good game in probably say that. Oregon. Obviously we lost, but we played really well. We competed really hard. And we want to try to carry REMY MARTIN: One of my moments was just last those type of qualities over into this tournament. And year, being my freshman year, how we were watching with this quick turnaround, I think it's going to be a lot Selection Sunday and just seeing our name come up better for us. there and everybody, especially Coach Hurley, jump in the pool and had a good time. REMY MARTIN: Yeah, definitely. Just looking at the positive things, I mean, like I said, other teams are not So as a freshman coming into this school and being playing right now. So, like you said, just look at the able to experience that your first year with seniors that positive in everything, literally. We're happy. We're overachieved and definitely worked as hard as they having fun. could and learning from them, like, it was an amazing experience for me learning, and now we're here again. THE MODERATOR: Thank you. We're joined by Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley. Q. Can you just talk about what this last 24 hours has been like since you got on the bus and came COACH HURLEY: Travel was very smooth and out to Dayton? Has it been just a lot of we're everybody was very welcoming. We're thrilled to be in focusing on the game, or playing some games with the tournament and had a great practice earlier this each other to -- some card games or something morning. Really geared up to play. you brought to ease the mind? Or what's this 24 hours been like? THE MODERATOR: Questions? REMY MARTIN: 24 hours has been fun. I mean, just being able to know that our season's still alive, while, Q. When you guys won and got into the NCAA unfortunately, some other schools are not playing. But Tournament last year, in what ways did it change we're focused. We're definitely focused. But we're the program? What ways did people see you guys enjoying the moment. We're enjoying every moment differently? that we have with them. I'm definitely enjoying every COACH HURLEY: I think anytime that you haven't moment I'm having with this guy right here. It's his last consistently gone to the NCAA Tournament, it year. So everything has been smooth and fun, but we becomes a little bit unexpected. But now for the also know what we came here to do. players who were in the program last year, they went to the tournament, they experienced it. ZYLAN CHEATHAM: Dating back to Selection Sunday, I'd say it's pretty much been a roller-coaster ride Going into this year, that's on our list, our goals, to emotionally for me to kind of have some uncertainty, make the tournament again. And that's what our guys not really knowing if you're getting in, not really expected to do going into the season. So it kind of sets knowing how you're going to go out. the tone and the standard for what you're trying to do.

And then to get selected, obviously that was a joyful Q. How about the way that people outside see you moment. And then to just kind of get back to earth and -- recruits, transfers, alumni? realize like, okay, it's time to work, it's time to make this COACH HURLEY: Our program is pretty energized at moment even more special. So pretty much like, to the moment. I think people are very enthusiastic about piggyback off what Remy said, it's a very joyful what we're building and where the direction of the experience, but we're really focused and ready for the program is going. Our attendance numbers were next step. outstanding again this year at home. And there's great enthusiasm in our community about the team. Q. Can you see an advantage of being here playing in the First Four? You don't have to wait until And I think we have an exciting team. We're a fun Thursday or Friday. What's the advantage of that? team to watch. And our community has really gotten ZYLAN CHEATHAM: Yeah, obviously some people behind what we're doing. would look at it as not the most ideal situation. But we

Rev #2 by #188 at 2019-03-19 18:20:00 GMT page 2 of 5 And we're recruiting better. We're bringing in some and then getting an opportunity to play in the talented guys. And Arizona State basketball is pretty tournament. And I think this year we went into this relevant. year talking about competing better in conference. Like, we have to do a better job in our league. And I Q. You've mentioned before you left that you broke think we've taken another step in that direction, just out the old highlight tapes of your Final Four runs going 12-6 in the conference and finishing second. with Duke. What was your message behind that? And so that was a goal of ours. And when did you do it exactly? COACH HURLEY: That was a while ago. We didn't So we're continuing to try and take steps as a program. play well in one of our games. I forget which game it And when you're in the NCAA Tournament, we've was. It was -- some games that you play this year feel made it now back to back. I think the guys are like they happened last season, as you stay in the enthusiastic to play tomorrow and we're trying to moment all the time. But we didn't play well. I wanted advance and continue to play. to remind them of what you can accomplish and how that changes your life if you could achieve and get Q. What do you expect to get out of Remy Martin yourself to the point where you have an opportunity to coming off the injury? And how do you balance play in the tournament. But if you're not playing well the fact that you need to win to advance with the enough in your regular season, then you're not going to fact that he might need to play two or three games have that chance that all 68 teams have right now. to keep winning games? COACH HURLEY: With Remy, it was disappointing. And I was able to capitalize and be on some great We were playing so well after the UCLA game in our teams that cut down the nets. And I told the guys, it's league. And to have him, in the first two minutes of the opened doors for me in the game of basketball that game, have a little pull there in the groin where he was probably wouldn't have been opened otherwise. fractionally the player that he normally would be in terms of his movement. Q. A lot of people were surprised when you took the Arizona State job. How do you like it out there He still is a warrior and stayed in there and stuck some and has it been what you've expected so far? shots against Oregon, but we needed him to be himself COACH HURLEY: I was familiar with the West Coast in order to beat Oregon. Oregon's playing at a high just from my playing days. I was out in Sacramento. I level right now. But he's had a few days and he's got obviously grew up in Jersey. But there was a familiarity after it in treatment. with that area. And we had our meat-and-potato's practice this And I just think the way that I coached, I thought would morning, and he was moving great and he was in every work in the Pac-12 in terms of the style of the drill. So we anticipate he'll be ready to go tomorrow. conference. I view myself as a guy that likes to be somewhat creative on offense. And it's a league that is Q. You got one school from Durham, North notorious for scoring points and getting up and down Carolina in the building already. Wondering how the floor and playing a faster style. It's not a league much contact you still have with the other more that's a rugged league that gets games get played in prominent school from that area? And what, if any the 50s or something. advice gives you nowadays? COACH HURLEY: I've talked to Coach at times, I just thought it was a good fit for me. And I looked at it especially when I was at Buffalo, there was a good where you have the weather, you have a huge school, story there with us going into the conference the second biggest school in the country. And just an tournament. It was my second year as a head coach. opportunity to tap into a place that has not really And my first year we lost in the first round. And I consistently been a winner year in and year out. And I wanted to ask Coach, what are you going to do this thought there was a lot that I could sell to recruits just week as you prepare for the ACC Tournament? And I with the Pac-12 and the way the Pac-12 has turned out need to win my tournament to go to the NCAAs. NBA talent over the last decade and just all the success that the league has had in the past. And Coach said, "Hey, I would do very limited live work with your players. The last thing you need is for Q. Are you happy with where the program is? Do someone to get hurt. You've got to keep your team you feel like you guys should be further along? fresh. You've got to stick to the drills that you practice Are you past where you thought you would be? but try and avoid live reps." COACH HURLEY: I thought we really had a breakthrough last year, just with our non-conference So as I'm going and getting ready for our game, I can't

Rev #2 by #188 at 2019-03-19 18:20:00 GMT page 3 of 5 resist but to think that we may not be sharp enough. Q. He remembers you playing very well in those So I've got to give my live reps. So I've got my guys workouts with the Dream Team. He thinks that going more live than I probably should, and my player really helped you in terms of the NBA draft. What of the year in the conference drives to his right hand do you remember about those going up against and rolls his ankle. Now he's laying on the sideline, that team and just kind of what your relationship is and then he's in a boot. And he's probably 30, 40 with Chris? percent of what he normally would be. The kid, Justin COACH HURLEY: It was the best week of my life. As a Moss. competitor and as a basketball player, you want to face, like, the best players that you can. And they were all in But the rest of the guys had his back and picked him one gym for a week. And you got to see, like, what -- it up and got us to the MAC championship that year. But kind of elevated me to play the best I've ever played in I need to listen better to people that know a lot more my life just because of how good they were, and how than I do. hard I trained to go there because I was scared to death that I was going to get embarrassed. So you Q. Growing up where you did, what did you and really train and get yourself ready. And then all of a your buddies think of St. John's? And what did St. sudden you're right in that game. John's mean to you? And when you think of St. John's, what comes to mind? And then to have, like, and Chris COACH HURLEY: When I was growing up, you know, Webber and on your team made it easier for that's when I kind of fell in love with basketball. I was a me. And hit a few 3s for us, too. Our fan, a Big East fan. And I remember development team was strong. We were young but those matchups with Chris Mullin and Walter Berry and really talented. Mark Jackson, and they would be going against Pearl Washington. Q. Can you imagine kind of being in his shoes, the emotional roller coaster of losing a brother and And I was a point guard and I would see those guys go then getting your alma mater in the tournament like at each other, or Georgetown and St. John's and all he has for the first time and what it might be for a these great matchups. And I remember all the Final coach like that? Fours, all those Big East teams going, and Villanova COACH HURLEY: It's really heartbreaking. But Chris beating Georgetown. And just so many great is strong. And he's been through a lot. And I'm sure memories of watching the Big East and watching St. he's got the leadership to handle it. And I think he John's and Chris Mullin. knows that as bad as he might feel and what he's going through, that he owes it to the kids that he coaches to Q. Just going off of that, what is your relationship get his team ready and get them to enjoy this moment. like with Chris Mullin? I know when you've been in basketball long enough you kind of had He was a part of so many special moments as a player, connections with everybody, but Chris Mullin, going to the Final Four and just being one of the all- possibly Buffalo, did you enjoy kind of facing time greats in the Big East. I'm sure he wants his teams or coaches that you have connections to? players to experience that as well. COACH HURLEY: I just think it's more about the players. For me it's more about like Zylan Cheatham Q. There's an idea that coaches who played at a and Lu Dort getting his first NCAA Tournament high level may struggle because they can't bring experience. And Remy Martin is such a winner, and he out that work ethic in today's kids. In your wants to play in this event. experience, has that been a challenge at all to get kids to work maybe to the level that you worked as Like the other stuff is not as meaningful. Like, I have a player? the utmost respect for Chris and the job he's done to COACH HURLEY: I feel like when I played I maybe get St. John's to the NCAA Tournament, and who he overachieved and I had -- people doubted me most of was as a player, a guy I always looked up to when I my career and I had to work at it. I was fortunate to was growing up in Jersey and he was playing at St. grow up in a household that was a legendary coach John's. that I had access to every day and to direct me and give me the right ways to practice. And then on to the NBA and got a chance to play against him and the Dream Team when I was on the But he pushed -- my dad pushed me and developed a development team. So a lot of good memories with work ethic in me to achieve what I achieved on the regard to Chris. floor. So I know that that's -- you can't be -- you can't be a success and you can't take the game as far as a

Rev #2 by #188 at 2019-03-19 18:20:00 GMT page 4 of 5 lot of the guys that you coach want to take it if you don't not like you're facing something you're not familiar have that drive and that work ethic. with. COACH HURLEY: Just because they have so many So we try and, through evaluation, see guys that want guys on the floor that could hurt you from a distance to get better, that want to work and are serious about and away from the basket, that's where the preparation the game. And we try and identify that when we recruit and thinking about how you're going to defend a team guys and bring them into the program. like St. John's because they're very unique.

Q. As a person who cared about basketball And so that's where the dilemma is for us is with their growing up in the greater New York area, how size and guys who could penetrate and also shoot, would you describe what St. John's meant to the how could we consistently and successfully guard them New York basketball scene as a whole? for 40 minutes? COACH HURLEY: You just remember just how electric The Garden was in those matchups. And it was on par THE MODERATOR: Thank you. with the Knicks at the time. It was going to Final Fours and Coach Carnesecca had so much charisma with how he coached. And it was a fun team to watch. They were a very exciting brand of basketball.

Q. I know this is a quick turnaround and all, but is there a positive about coming here to play in the First Four instead of waiting until Thursday or Friday to play? COACH HURLEY: I'm considering -- maybe I should go and meet with a realtor and maybe look to buy a house here because I'm here a couple years now. So I might do that later today if I have time.

But to be here, I told our media yesterday, send me anywhere. Send us anywhere. It's the NCAA Tournament. We want an opportunity to compete and win games. I just -- I love how my team is playing down the stretch. We've won six out of eight. Our only two losses were to Oregon, who has really found something and playing at a high level. So I know these guys are hungry to get on the floor and compete.

Q. What worries you about St. John's? What do they do that could give you guys problems? COACH HURLEY: They're somewhat similar to my team last year in a lot of ways. They just like really got guys who go off the bounce and attack the paint. And they have shooting and they're very interchangeable, just they switch a lot of stuff on defense. And they're very scrappy.

They really have a New York way about -- just being a little undersized but figuring out how to get the job done and then they have dynamic, a dynamic player in Ponds and toughness. Clark's a tough guy and Heron.

And so we've really got to take care of the basketball. It's something that we've been talking about because of how good St. John's could be in the open court if you turn it over.

Q. The fact that they're like your team last year, it's

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