Tennessee basketball freshman guard Marquis Clark met with the media earlier this week as the Vols’ summer practices wind down. A three-star recruit, Clark is looking to earn a role as a true freshman amidst a crowded Volunteer backcourt.
Meeting with the media, Clark discussed adjusting to college basketball, his impressions of Rick Barnes and much more. Here’s everything Clark said.
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On the biggest adjustments from high school to college basketball
“I’d say the pace. It’s real fast. Coming from the high school level, but I adjusted to it.”
On the freshman class learning from more experienced players
“Oh, it’s been great. I mean, we signed up to play against the best of the best. I feel like for all of us, the freshman, we came in with a mindset that you want to get on the court, so we’re going to compete with whoever. So I feel like we’re good.”
On his favorite part of summer practices
“I’d say us getting at it, competing with each other, having fun. We like to talk stuff with each other and stuff like that, so that’d be the most fun of it.”
On what he likes about the schedule
“I feel like we’re ready to compete with any and everybody. It’s going to be a great year. It’s going to be fun.”
On what he’s learned from Troy Henderson and DeWayne Brown given their experience in the program
“I’ve learned a lot. I mean, when I came in, I really didn’t know what to expect. So they were like the first two guys I went to since they were here last year, so I definitely learned a lot and I keep asking questions every time.”
On who the vocal leaders on the team have been
“I’d say Tyler because he’s been on the sideline, he’s been out, so I’ve been hearing him a lot. T Hill, like the point guard, so those are the main two.”
On what it’s like being coached by Rick Barnes
“It’s been hard. Coming here, I’m like, it was something new to me, but now I’m used to it. Getting used to it, but it’s definitely been hard, but it’s what I signed up for, for sure.”
On if he appreciates his style of coaching
“Oh, yeah, for sure. Every one of the best players, they want to get coached hard to get to the highest level, so that’s what it takes.”
On if he’s had a welcome to college moment, Ralph Scott throwing up
“Yeah, I did. I ain’t throw up. But coach, one time, I got sent to the versa climbing like six or seven times in one practice. So that definitely was my welcome to college moment.”
On what area of his game has grown the most
“Defense for sure. Just being a pest, that’s how I’m going to get on the court, so I got to keep that up, man. Yeah, I feel like that’s been the best thing I’ve picked up.”
On who talks the most trash on the team
“I’d say Dai Dai. We’re from Chicago, so that’s what we do. We like to talk stuff, getting into people’s heads, but that’s what get us going. So, like yesterday, Dai Dai was going at Miles, talking smack. So that’s what we do.”
