Shocker head coach Gregg Marshall addressed the media Tuesday prior to his squad's matchup against UT Martin at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Charles Koch Arena. He discussed in-depth takeaways from the Texas Southern matchup, Dexter Dennis' start to the year and Doc Rivers' comments about his program. The full transcript is below. Fans can purchase tickets to this weekend's game at GoShockers.com/tickets or by calling (316) 978-3267.
 

---

 COACH GREGG MARSHALL on …
 
… how the film session after Texas Southern went:
"Well, I guess it's not fun when you watch yourself shoot air balls on film. We didn't play well, especially on the offensive end. Texas Southern did a marvelous job of pressuring our young guards and pushing them out. We took some bad shots. We are better shooters than what we shot, obviously. If we aren't, then we're in for a long year."
 
… if he is impressed with Grant Sherfield's ability to get to the free-throw line:
"The way (Texas Southern) was playing us, that's what you had to do. They were taking away passing lanes. They were really pressuring 94 feet. What I told them is if you're trying to run something, and they're dogging you for 94 feet, but you can go around them and play opportunity basketball, then do that."
 
… Dexter Dennis' first couple of games:
"He could obviously play in the NBA at some point. He's got some thing to improve and refine, but I've said from day one, he's the next NBA guy unless Jaime (Echenique) comes back and is ready to have a big year. Dexter, along with Trey Wade, is playing the best for us right now."
 
... Doc Rivers' comments praising the Wichita State basketball program:
"It means a lot. I was just talking with Grant (Sherfield) about that. I just want him to see the words Doc Rivers is saying about guys that come through here. He kept talking about how they were tough, mentally tough, have some swag and their desire to win. It's really cool to hear him talk about not only Landry (Shamet) on his team, but also Fred (VanVleet) on their opponent, the Raptors."
 
… his thoughts about the turnover numbers:
"We're winning ugly... We're not shooting it very well, but on the defensive end and on the glass, we're doing well. The defense is ahead of the offense, and that happens most seasons. Once we get some confidence and understand what we want to accomplish offensively (we'll be better)."
 
… teaching the young group confidence:
"I don't think confidence is an issue for them. For the sophomores, it's because they have the experience from last year. The confidence is the least of their worries for this new group. They have to understand by watching and learning that now they're playing Division I college basketball, and that's hard. We're going to try to instill confidence in them, but also let them know it's going to be harder now. Five guys can be better than one running an offense that doesn't care who gets the shot, but if we got a good shot as a group."
 
… Noah Fernandes:
"He looked better in practice yesterday than he did on Saturday. He was out for two months, and it was apparent he lost one-half to one full step of his quickness, which is one of his best attributes, minus his heart. He's got a tremendous heart and desire and toughness. He didn't look great because of (the loss of quickness). He looked better yesterday, and hopefully he's back up to speed, literally."
 
… Isaiah Poor Bear-Chandler's development on defense:
"He's coming along. He's not Bill Russell yet, but he's getting better. He's working to wall up, and keep the ball in front. Morris Udeze also helped us out, especially on the offensive glass. Until Jaime (Echenique) gets back, those guys will get the reps for us."
 
… American Athletic Conference basketball so far:
"I haven't watched one second of anyone else in The American thus far. I will try to peek in, while I study UT Martin, on Memphis-Oregon. To me, Houston and Cincinnati plus Memphis are the teams to beat. I don't know too many of those players, but I've seen the headlines and all the hype about them. I think the league is gong to be very, very good, so we'll have to be good and near the top of the conference to get an at-large bid."