Question: How do you feel about having to replace the No. 8 pick in the NBA draft, Raphael Araujo?
Answer: It makes you feel good to know that me along with other people would want to replace him. We're just going to play our style. Hoffa did a lot of good things for BYU. But it's our turn now. We're going to do what we can do and go from there.
Question: It's been awhile since you've played because of mission and a redshirt. How do you feel about getting to play this season?
Answer: It's exciting and at the same time I'm nervous. It's been quite a while since I actually stepped on the court. I kind of feel like one of the freshmen. But it's really exciting to finally get back on the court and be with the guys and be in front of the fans.
Question: Where did you serve your mission and what was your favorite thing about it?
Answer: I served in New Hampshire Manchester mission. It covered New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and a little bit of Massachusetts. I had a lot favorite experiences. I just really enjoyed meeting people and having them share their lives with me, taking in my companions and me. I'll always look on that with a happy and grateful heart that they did that for me.
Question: What's your favorite basketball memory, pre-BYU?
Answer: My junior and senior year at Cottonwood High School. We were able to put together a nice win streak there and win two region titles in a row and have a number one ranking for most of those years. Although we didn't win a state championship, we had a lot of fun. Coach Martineau is a great coach, and it was just fun to be a part of that.
Question: Why did you choose to come to BYU?
Answer: I chose BYU because of the coaches and the environment down here. It's close to my family. I like the potential and success we have down here.
Question: What was it like to have to sit out last year?
Answer: It was hard because I wanted to play. But at the same time, it was a great learning experience, especially to watch the older guys like Hoffa and Jake Shoff and Mark Bigelow and see how they carried themselves. It was nice to be able to get my head together after the mission and figure out what's going on.