Carlos Stewart
- Carlos said it's great to be back home. He was really excited to get back here and play in front of his family.
- He said the guys are doing everything they can to not have a repeat of last season.
- Wanted to transfer home and start playing for a bigger brand. Also had the added bonus of playing in the SEC.
- Jordan Wright hit him up and tried to recruit him to come back to Louisiana and play for LSU with him.
- Says he talked to Jalen Cook. He's feeling alright, but they know how much he would mean to this team. Says they have to move on and adjust to be successful. Feels they have enough talent to without him to win a lot of games.
- Feels the team is competing hard in practice and has a lot of energy. They're preparing for practice just like a game because McMahon goes hard on them in practice. Said they felt the results during the game against LA Christian.
- Said he wanted to improve on being consistent. He also needed to stay patient with McMahons plan. Coach told him he needed to work on some things, and instead of taking it the wrong way, he stayed and worked to improve on those areas.
- Feels this team has connected quicker this year than last year.
- He's trying to help all of the new guys get through the growing pains of coming to a new school.
- Says Jalen Cook is still practicing with him and with his experience, it's still helping them even if he can't play on gamedays.
- Felt like he went through some growing pains in his freshman year, but found his groove down the stretch where he played well.
- Trae Hannibal is out with illness, but should be at practice today. They expect Derek Fountain to be back by the game on Monday and Hunter Dean is dealing with a shoulder injury and is day-to-day.
- They don't have a timeframe for hearing back from the NCAA about Jalen Cooks waiver (they sent additional information to see if they'll overturn their ruling). Says he's still practicing with the team to stay ready just in case.
- Says he's not living in the past. He's focused on winning with this team and he feels the roster will be able to win games. They have an experienced roster and he's viewing it as a fresh start.
- Wants to see his team play with energy and selflessness. Feels those need to be the foundation of this team. Wants to see improvement on the defensive side of the ball on Monday. Allowed too many drives and offensive boards.
- Size and scoring ability were two of the main things he saw in Will Baker when he recruited him through the portal. Thinks he's a really good playmaker from the center position.
- Feels the offense is going to become less screen-centric. Cook is a great ball screen player, but with him out, they have to go away from that and run some different offenses. Says they've been preparing for that since June.
- Felt last year was a tough year for freshman across the country because there were so many 5th year players. Feels Tyrell Ward and Jalen Reed began to come on in the end of the season and he's excited for their sophomore season.
- Says freshman Mike Williams III is consistent every day. He's a freshman, but he's already a leader on this team. He does a great job running the offense and he should play a big role this year.
- He's excited for this season for Mwani Wilkinson. He battled injuries last season, but he's healthy now and is a very talented and athletic player. Plays defense very well and can guard multiple positions.
