"Bushy-tailed" freshmen and seniors playing with "verve." Head Coach Gregg Marshall met with local media Tuesday in advance of Wichita State's first official in-season practice. Read on for the transcript:
 

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GREGG MARSHALL ON...

... The benefits of the NCAA's new summer practice rules, with 11 newcomers on the roster:
"I think it was a Godsend, to be able to work with these guys four hours a week instead of two was tremendously helpful, and it couldn't have come at a better time, with our youth. We used that four hours. We did some individual skill instruction, but a lot of team practice. So we're a little ahead of where we would normally be with putting in our stuff, but still the lack of experience that we have shows that we're not quite where we need to be – even with the additional time. So it's just a lot of teaching."
 
... First impressions of the new players:
"They're all very exciting. They can do some things with the basketball, they can do some things athletically, but right now they're trying to learn how to play in our system and learn how to compete in college basketball on the defensive end and on the glass, then take a deep breath and relax on the offensive end. That seems to be one of our main struggles right now -- just not doing crazy things on the offensive end."
 
... Which returners have stepped up:
"I would say the two seniors, Markis and Samajae, have had a very good fall, thusfar. We're just getting started, really. Today is the first official team practice. They've had a good camp, thusfar. They've really elevated their game, and they both seem to be enjoying being the seniors and the leaders of the this team. I would say those two guys, in particular, but that's pretty much where it stops because they're the only experience we have."
 
... The freshmen gelling with those seniors:
"They're very likeable and they seem to enjoy each others company off of the court. We'cw has them over to the house a few times. We've been together many times now with the outings that we've had with the team. Great group of young men. They're just wide-eyed and bushy tailed at this point. They're trying to figure out where they can fit in and what they can do to help our team. You know, it's still early, but they've got a lot to pick up. But they've got a lot of talent, as well. We're excited about their upside. It's just a matter of when that all gels for them."
 
... Individual standouts, so far:
"All of them have had their moments. I don't want to single anyone out, because the moment I do, they'll have a terrible practice this afternoon. They've all had moments. They've all shown the reason why we recruited them. But they've also had days where they walk off the court and go – 'this is going to be tough.'"
 
… The benefits of having so many freshmen and being able to mold them:
"It is. It's rejuvenated the staff. It's given us an opportunity to really teach and really coach. We're having to do that as hard as we can. These guys – the best thing they have going for them is that they're all very coachable, and they're super young people. They want to get better, and they want to please. So it's just a matter now of how quickly they please us."
 
… Getting McDuffie back to 100 percent after an injury-plagued junior season:
"We need him to be the Markis McDuffie of old. He was our leading rebounder and leading scorer two years ago, and then last year -- 11 games sitting out and then coming back in the middle of the season -- he really kind of forced things and wasn't nearly the player that we needed him to be. It hurt him, it hurt us, but ultimately he's a talented kid and really wonderful young man. We're just excited he has an opportunity to shine in his senior year and maybe get back on those (NBA) Draft boards."
 
… If McDuffie seems mentally ready to take over:
"He's always been like that. He loves the game. He's a guy that gets you excited just being around him. He's full of life… He's shooting the ball well. I think he relishes the role of leader, more than I thought he would, so it's good to see him out there assuming that role."
 
… Haynes-Jones' progression this off-season:
"He's very confident now. He's shooting the ball well. Last year he had the physical issues that didn't allow him to get on the court, but he's gotten over that. I don't know whether that's bad defense or inexperienced defense, but he's getting buckets out here. He's looking like the player we thought we had originally. He's quick, he's fast, he's shooting it with confidence and he's playing with a lot of verve."
 
… If Haynes-Jones projects as his starting point guard:
"He'll play quite a bit. I don't know who's going to start at point guard. It's way too early to tell. I think he can play the two-guard, also, even though he's a smaller two-guard. But he'll definitely play, assuming he stays healthy."