RALEIGH, N.C. — NC State All-ACC First Team forward Khamil Pierre took time to meet with the media on Wednesday morning. She discussed her first season with the Wolfpack,
Here is everything she said:
How do you feel like your first season went in Raleigh?
I mean, it was definitely a lot different than living in Nashville. But once you start to get out more, I think it’s a really cool city. And then, as far as like on the court and with the team, like I’ve said before, it was definitely hard when I first got here. But like as the season went on, like I got more comfortable. I felt like I started to play better. But when I look at the season as a whole, like I wasn’t really proud with everything I had got done.
What was the biggest area you progressed in last season and what do you look forward to improving the most this season?
I think where I felt like my biggest strength was this season was in my rebounding. I felt like I had a pretty good eye for the ball, and when it comes to like areas I want to progress in, I would definitely say just like all around. So whether it’s my defense, my scoring, creating space, I feel like there’s a lot of different areas in the game where I could improve.
What has practice been like so far?
It’s definitely been my favorite team in college basketball ever. I feel like we all get along very well. I mean, we always come up with good energy. Everyone gets along, so like from that perspective, it’s super fun. And then I mean, everybody works. Like we’ll have days where, I mean, we’ll be on the track at 7 a.m. and then we’ll go lift, and then we’re supposed to be off for the rest of the day, and I mean, every single kid comes in, puts in extra work with the coach, gets extra shots up. So I’m excited for the season.
Where does that motivation come from?
I think for returners, it’s how we ended the season last year, and then I think for just like our new teammates, just understanding how much better all the returners want to be and how important winning is for us, especially some of us that it’s our last year and we want to go on to the draft. Like we’re just really fixated as being successful as a team.
How does the new five for five rule change how you look at this season?
I mean, I think it’s super cool that they passed it. However, like it hasn’t really been anything I’ve been discussing with my staff, my agent, more so just taking this season as if it is my last season, and seeing how well I can perform and giving it my all.
Has anyone surprised you this season so far?
Honestly, everyone. I mean, I’ve always been a big fan of Ky’she’s game. Obviously, we’re from the same state, but when it comes to transfers, I think Desiree will be really good for us. Obviously, she’s a lot older, super experienced, and I mean, she puts a lot of work into the game. But I mean, I think all around the whole team, like I’m excited for everyone,
Describe your rebounding philosophy…
I think if you ask coach, he would definitely say I miss a lot of box outs, and probably our whole staff will say I don’t really box out well, but I think it’s honestly a confidence thing. I don’t think it’s too much skill when it comes to rebounding. I just genuinely don’t think anyone in the country is a better rebounder than me.
On what positions she would like to play the most…
Definitely not the one. I would love to play the one, but no shot. Honestly, I think I’m a pretty decent all-around player. So I mean, I think obviously I need to work on my three-point if I want to be more of like a three player, but four or five. I mean, I think kind of just depends on what the team needs, what the staff wants out of me, and whatever that is, that’s fine with me.
You have lead the fast break before…
Well, I know sometimes I get away with it.
What value do you get out of helping ion the community…
I guess I don’t really look at it from that perspective. I think at the end of the day, like I’m no better than anybody else, just because I play a sport, like, and I might be known. I think at the end of the day, what matters the most is just who you are as a person. Thankfully, I’m in a position where I can help people who need it more than I do, so I think I try to do that whenever I’m able to, and then just get back to the community, kids. I mean, I think stuff like that is always important, more important than the basketball and the scoring and who you are.
Do you have a favorite moment of helping out in the community?
This summer so far, like I guess my favorite ones were me and some of my teammates. We went to Braylon’s game. He comes to all of our games, so we got to go watch his basketball game. That was pretty fun. He’s really good. And then one day after practice, I just went and bought a bunch of food supplies, and then had some of my teammates come over. We made bags, a bunch of bags for the homeless, and we just went and had conversations and gave them out. So I think those are probably my favorite so far.
How will the transfers help this season…
I think they’ll be huge, more so because I think they all understand that it’s super important to just do whatever the team needs, and I think everybody is more than willing to do whatever that is.
How does last season motivate you?
I mean, I think the common thing is we all just want to win. Like we want to perform a lot better than we did last season, and I think individually, it looks different for everyone. So I can only speak for myself. But like I had just said, I was disappointed with how my season went. I think there was a lot of areas I needed to be better in, whether that’s a leadership standpoint, defensive standpoint, probably just be having a better motor all around. I think, you know, I lacked in a lot of areas last season. And you mentioned Desiree earlier how she could be really good for you all. Older experience puts in the work from on the court. How do you see her impacting this team, and what kind of benefit do you think she can have there? I mean, I think she reminds me a lot of Zam Jones. Obviously, they’re both great players and different, but I mean, she can shoot the ball extremely well. She knows how to create her own space. She has an insane passing ability, and then she’s just a good teammate, and she’s going to make the right read. So I think she’ll be great for us in every aspect.
How would you describe your chemistry with Zoe Brooks?
Obviously, I think Zoe is probably one of the most hardworking players on our team. I think we play really well together. I think it comes from just our connection off the court and just understanding what we both want for our seasons for the team. And I think both of us just play really well together.
Are there any games specifically you are looking forward to next season?
I haven’t seen the schedule, but everybody, I love talking trash. Sorry, Coach Moore. I love being competitive, and yeah, I’m excited to play everybody, the best to the bottom.