@oregonstatembb Holds Local Media Day
The OSU Basketball Center was filled with several cameras, notepads and cell phones (for tweeting purposes) on Monday when Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle, his staff and players were available for interviews at the Beavers’ annual Media Day.
Below are some of the quotes from Tinkle and the players as the team prepares for the upcoming season. You can also click on the play button on the photo above to watch a video recap from Media Day.
Head coach Wayne Tinkle
On coaching style with a new team...
"We have to institute our beliefs here. Fundamentally in the program, speaking more basketball specific, it doesn't matter if you have the most veteran team or a rookie team, you have to institute the things that you think are important. With us, it's very high-percentage offense. Depending on your talent level and depth, you can tweak the level of tempo you’re going to play with, but we take care of the ball, we take good shots and we share the ball. Defensively, no matter what level of talent, you've got to give it everything you've got. We have our fundamentals and beliefs that we have in play. I don't think it would change no matter where you coach. How we guard and the amount of importance we put there along with rebounding the ball. Those are the things that we are looking to do. Moving forward, we are identifying the guys that we feel are going to buy into that and so far all of them have. We also have to add more talent and depth as we move forward as well."
On team adjusting to new coaching staff...
"The kids have been great. They went through a tough change there, but they are learning some new habits and I think they are very excited for that. The staff has done a great job of being fair and consistent with our demands, and I think that's what earns your trust. They don't want you to be all over the place; you can be as demanding as you want, as laid back as you want, but you just have to be consistent and the guys will buy in. We've been really firm on them, but it's been fair and consistent and they've caught onto it quickly.”
Junior center Daniel Gomis
On overcoming injuries and adversity...
"Yes, I have definitely gotten stronger. It is something that was unexpected. It was a life lesson for me; I learned how to move on when something like that happens in life. I certainly learned a lot from it."
Junior guard Gary Payton II
On bringing back a winning tradition to Oregon State...
"Yes, that's definitely on my mind. We're hoping to get back to the (NCAA) tournament. Last time they were in the tournament my father was here, so if we can do that, it would be a really huge thing for the program and get us back going the right way."
Junior forward Olaf Schaftenaar
On being relied upon offensively this season...
"It's great; it's been pretty tough on me the last two years to just be a shooter. Not necessarily that I couldn’t do anything else, but it was just hard coming in for a couple minutes and being expected to just be a shooter. Right now, I feel like I can do a lot more. I can post up, get my teammates involved, set a lot of screens, and it's been great."
Sophomore guard Malcolm Duvivier
On excitement building around the program...
"A lot of people are really buying into what Coach Tinkle has been talking about and saying. People will see the improvements from the end of last season until now from the work we put in. Everyone has gotten better down the line, and I think people are starting to notice that they've got to ride with the Beavers now and then they will see us as we grow."
Junior guard Langston Morris-Walker
On go-to offensive players...
"Right now, it's really up in the air. A lot of guys have shown glimpses of greatness on the offensive side, like Jarmal Reid, Olaf Schaftenaar and Malcolm Duvivier. Victor Robbins is coming up too. I wouldn't say guys this year are going to be averaging 20 points, but every guy is going to chip in and do what they have to do."
Junior center Justin Stangel
On earning a scholarship after being a practice player last season...
"It feels pretty great. The hard work is exactly what got me there and I'm grateful to the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity. It is such a change from last year to this year, getting used to it with classes and everything has been pretty interesting but really good."
Sophomore center Cheikh N'diaye
On getting better with the help of Coach Tinkle...
"I've gotten a lot better since Coach Tinkle came with his staff. My game has really gotten so much better. They rely on me a lot right now, and I have to keep doing more. I have to practice more and keep playing harder."
The #Commit2Wayne ticket plan provides fans with season tickets for $199 (tickets were $364 last season).* The price will gradually step up the following seasons ($249, $299, $349) but remain affordable, and there is no obligation to commit to all four years. Season tickets will be $349 next year and beyond for fans who do not take advantage of this unique opportunity this year.
Ticket Office personnel will be on hand to answer any questions and process orders. Click on this link to read the letter that Tinkle sent to Beaver Nation asking for their commitment.
More than 500 people have already taken advantage of the promotion by securing new season tickets for the upcoming season, which begins on Friday, Nov. 14 against Rice at 7 p.m. at Gill Coliseum.
Every ticket this season will feature an image of Paul Valenti, an Oregon State athlete, coach, administrator and goodwill ambassador for more than 70 years, who passed away this past September. The team will wear a PV patch on their jerseys in honor of the Oregon State legend.
* Some sections of Gill Coliseum require an annual gift to Our Beaver Nation. Donors who have already made a donation to secure their football season tickets can access men’s basketball donor seating with no additional donation.