Javian McCollum Pre-TCU (1-9-24)
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00:00 >> Jacob, what did you take away from Saturday starting off 1-0,
00:03 the way you guys were able to close that game out?
00:05 What did you take away?
00:06 >> I mean, the Big 12 is gonna be physical every night.
00:09 I believe my team came in, we were prepared, we came out with a strong start.
00:13 And that's what it's gonna take in the Big 12.
00:15 We gotta always come out strong start, be ready to play, stay connected.
00:18 And I think that's what we did.
00:20 >> How helpful is it in a conference like this where you know every game's gonna be
00:23 a grind to be able to make plays down the stretch to win a game?
00:26 How helpful is that going forward?
00:28 >> I mean, it's helpful.
00:30 I mean, we know that we gotta be locked in every possession.
00:32 Every possession is crucial.
00:34 It always comes down to that last session.
00:35 So we gotta value the ball on the defensive end, do what we do,
00:39 DCOs, always stay locked in.
00:42 >> You mentioned physicality.
00:44 Did it feel different Saturday than just being in a conference game?
00:48 >> I mean, those conference games always feel different cuz they mean more.
00:52 I mean, every game you wanna win, but
00:53 the conference games, when it comes to it, they mean more.
00:55 I mean, you always wanna come into the game knowing you want your presence to be
01:00 filled for the opponent.
01:01 I think that's what we did, even on the defensive end, offensive end.
01:04 And as long as we keep doing that, everything will be fine.
01:07 >> Has there been a moment this season where it kind of solidified the belief
01:14 that you do belong at this level of basketball?
01:16 >> I mean, I always believe in myself cuz of the hard work I put in.
01:20 So that's never a factor of me not believing in myself.
01:22 I believe in myself, I believe in my teammates, I believe in my coaching staff.
01:25 And we're all in it together and we all wanna win.
01:27 >> We've asked you about it a couple times this season, but
01:31 the dynamic with you and Lowe's in the backcourt on Saturday,
01:33 you guys had five assists each.
01:35 Just how are you guys growing together and leading off?
01:38 >> Man, I mean, we always talking to each other, always trying to grow,
01:41 always trying to learn from each other.
01:42 I mean, there's been a couple games where me and him have had eight assists.
01:46 I mean, when your point guards are playing like that,
01:49 it's gonna be hard to beat us.
01:50 >> What have you learned playing alongside him, maybe just what he would be seeing?
01:54 >> Man, he's a great passer, he's a great leader.
01:58 He can shoot the ball, he can score the ball.
01:59 I've learned a lot from him, he learned a lot from me.
02:02 I learned some passes that he's made, he's learned some IQ from me.
02:06 I mean, it goes both ways, so he's a great player to play with.
02:09 >> Let's check in with the assists.
02:10 What's it like for you, you're leading the team in scoring a little bit,
02:13 and then down the stretch, you kind of become a distributor of the set.
02:17 >> I mean, like I said, I always wanna do what my teammates need me to do.
02:20 In that moment, we needed great possessions, and
02:22 Losa was in the game, so I had to take control of his point guard.
02:26 And that's what I did.
02:27 >> I know you've played a couple games,
02:29 and you're sort of like building that up, and that's been a lot of game days.
02:34 What do you feel like you can learn about the team this week,
02:37 going into the first two games?
02:40 >> I mean, I think we can, we learn that we go in willing to fight,
02:44 no matter who it is, no matter what our opponent holds.
02:47 I mean, we're going in to get a W.
02:49 Like I said in the interview out there,
02:51 it's gonna be a dogfight every night, and we're not willing to give up.
02:53 >> What has Porter talked to you guys about life on the road in the Big 12?
02:58 >> Hey, it's gonna be physical.
03:01 Like I said, every night, we can't worry about what the refs are calling.
03:05 We just gotta stay locked in, stay connected with each other.
03:08 And like I said, possession by possession.
03:10 >> You look at this week as maybe almost a statement, if you will,
03:13 going on the road to two places that are gonna be that top tier in the Big 12.
03:17 >> I mean, it's gonna be a huge statement.
03:19 These are two big games for us.
03:20 We've got TCU in Kansas.
03:21 I mean, what more can you ask for?
03:23 It's the Big 12.
03:25 So every night's gonna be hard, but we're going in with a mindset, willing to win.
03:28 >> Are you excited to play at Kansas?
03:31 >> Am I.
03:32 That's all I heard, field house, field house.
03:34 So, hey, I can't wait to get out there and see the atmosphere and
03:37 ready to get a win.
03:38 >> Is it kind of crazy to think that you will be playing in that place?
03:41 >> It is crazy, cuz I always watch it on TV, never thinking I would be here.
03:45 So, I mean, it's gonna be exciting.
03:47 >> What's the most you would need for toughest road environment?
03:54 >> I don't think I've played in any road environments like the Big 12.
03:57 I don't think anything's gonna come close, so I can't wait to see what it's like.
03:59 >> Another off the ball question, but
04:03 I know that some people like to listen to calm music.
04:07 >> Yes, yes, that's right.
04:09 I like to listen to calm music.
04:10 I don't wanna get too hype cuz I might go out there and catch a quick two fouls.
04:13 >> [LAUGH] >> Why can't we just listen to it?
04:16 >> Hey, I don't know.
04:17 Growing up, my mom always listened to that music.
04:20 I mean, it's just instilled in me now, so.
04:22 [LAUGH]