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Were you surprised that all of the guys came back and that the team remained intact?
"I thought I did a great job just separating myself from the whole ordeal. I didn't want to get involved ... and just tried to stay out of it. I was just preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. So I was prepared either way."
When you saw everybody was coming back and what that means, what were your immediate thoughts at that?
"Just another chance to cut down some nets. We've been talking all summer long about getting to Detroit and redeeming ourselves. With those guys coming back and those three coming in, it just becomes more and more of a realistic dream - there's nothing that should stand in our way."
Is there a different approach needed with all that pressure?
"I don’t know if it’s something that I can put into words, but I guess it’s just a feeling that there’s something out there that you know is yours and it’s just a matter of what everybody’s going to do to go get it. I’ve felt like more than ever this year that what’s out there in Detroit is ours, so we’re just excited to get this season going and get closer and closer to that."
Have you played with Bobby lately and how he's looking?
"Yeah, we played the other day ... He's been doing a great job this summer and it's been amazing to see his recovery. I'm very, very excited for him to get back on the court and to play with him again."
You established yourself as a leader last year - how do you grow as a leader this year?
"It's just going to be another experience you need to go through. This senior year is definitely going to be the toughest year as a leader knowing you're on your way and you need to get everybody in - a lot more pressure as a senior knowing this is your last time through. You've got to continue to be poised in front of these guys at all times. It'll be an interesting challenge for me and I'm excited for it as always."
Do you worry at all about guys trying to prove their worth to the NBA this year?
"Never have. I've never felt like selfish issues have been a problem with this team at all and I don't see it being like that in the future."
What's it like thinking you'll be even more of a favorite and under even more scrutiny?
"I know everybody is going to say a lot about it, but when it all comes down to it, if we don't play well, then we don't get to anything everyone is talking about. This team has done a tremendous job blocking those things out and just playing Carolina basketball. Just being a Carolina athlete there's a lot more pressure, because historically this program has been so good. That little bit of extra pressure I don't think is going to make a difference. It's just something you learn to play with.