You come into the NBA, dudes are trying to come after you. You're a rookie. They look at you as fresh meat.
When I was in high school watching college games, I was like 'I can't wait to get to March Madness.'
Offensively, I can play different positions.
Kevin Durant's kind of been my favorite player my whole life, so it's going to be fun going against him in the Garden.
I learned a lot my rookie season - the pace of the game. Playing at the right pace, not 100 miles an hour.
A lot of coaches might yank you after the first couple shots don't go in.
Personally, I want to win rookie of the year.
No matter whether you're hurting or it's just a precaution, you gotta eat right, make sure that you're protecting your body because 82 games and all those road trips - it's going to be a lot.
Duke and UNC are great schools.
Just to see kids who are inspired by you is an amazing feeling.
It's not always fun. It burns inside to play defense. But you have to keep working and eventually defense is something you get used to.
I'm going to have to work it, compete for that starting spot, compete for that job. I'm willing to come in and work, willing to compete and go at people in practice so I can have that ability to start in the starting lineup.
My first time at Staples Center - it was a great win, great experience. It was fun to play there - a lot of big games have been played there.
That's something I loved growing up - the other team yelling, hyped, student section, all of that gets me going.
Duke has coached a lot of players who were versatile.
I'm fine with pressure. I went to Kentucky, dealt with it all season, playing in front of all the top teams and top crowds.
My family's big on discipline, respect, manners, make sure that we respect our elders. So that's kind of what the military is. You have to say, 'Yes sir,' 'No ma'am,' 'Yes ma'am.' All that stuff. That's kind of the mold my dad has for my brothers and I.
That's why I love this game, that's why I play this game, that's the goal. I want to be great.
Guys in the league have grown-man strength. They're not going to move off when you bump them. They know your moves and are going to cut them off. You have to be strong and have counters. You have to slow down.
I have the tools and the size to be a good defender. I've just got to be able to put it all together.
