July 27, 2011

Columbia, Mo. - Mizzou seniors Marcus Denmon and Kim English will travel to Colorado Springs, Colo., this weekend for World University Games Team Trials. The pair met with members of the media to talk about the upcoming weekend.

Marcus Denmon
Senior Guard
Kansas City, Mo.

On having a chance to represent his country in the World University Games:
It's really just a huge honor to be among the names mentioned and to have a chance to represent your country and get out there and compete world-wide against some of the best. With us being from the same school, that's an even bigger accomplishment. Someone noticed we have some talent here (at Mizzou) to invite us to come in and try to help out the USA team.

On if the trials could help them hit the ground running this fall:
We have prepared the same (for trials) as we would for the start of the season. We are just basically preparing three weeks early. During these three weeks we would usually get to go home. We would still be working out, but it would be a little bit different (if we make it on the team). Now, during these three weeks we could have a chance to prepare for the season earlier. We have been getting ready the whole time though, so there really is no difference as far as preparation.

On the places basketball can take you:
I always hear a lot about the places basketball can take you and it's really done a lot for me. I have gotten to see and do a lot of things that I probably would not have done otherwise if it weren't for basketball. It would be great to use basketball to see and view different things (in China).

On playing for Purdue Coach Matt Painter:
I have heard he's a very good coach. I have never personally played for him. But I have spoken to a few people that know him and have been around him and I'm sure he can teach us a lot during this USA Basketball experience.

On if he feels season-ready heading to Colorado Springs:
It's kind of hard to say because right now we are in the seventh month and we won't be (regular-season) ready until our 11th month. Four months is a lot of time to get better. All we can control is getting better every day. Being (season-ready) now would be kind of far-fetched, but we have been working hard to get prepared for USA Basketball.

On the importance of ball-handling to a guard when playing with a new roster:
As a guard you are going to have the ball in your hand a lot. You are the one that sets tempo, whether you want to slow the ball down or speed it up. So as a guard, with the ball being in your hands, you have an advantage if you can handle it well.

Kim English
Senior Guard
Baltimore, Md.

On having a chance to represent his country in the World University Games:
It would definitely be an honor to have a chance to represent your country amongst an elite group of college athletes and (players from) around the world. It's something we watched growing up as kids... Team USA, the Dream Team, and to have a chance to play with that USA on your chest is a tremendous opportunity and a great blessing.

On having a chance to go to China if he makes the roster:
You want to be confident and expect the best, but when we got the letter (from USA Basketball) we talked and thought `Wow, we may go to China'. Marcus is from Kansas City and I'm from Baltimore, so the thought of traveling to China is kind of mind-blowing... it's on the other side of the world. I'd look forward to a chance... hopefully.

On one city he would like the chance to play in:
New Orleans. That would be a great place to play... especially in the spring.

On working out with a new staff this off-season:
You get used to your staff when you have been at a school for three years. Having a new staff it made things a little bit different. Coach Anderson knew that if we were responsible guys, he would give us some leeway and freedom, but we have to gain this staff's trust, and rightfully so. We had to show them that we were going to do things the right way. So it's just like a new beginning. We are all excited and excited to work.

On the summer workout program:
In the summer you tend to set your goals more individually to get ready for the fall. We have all been here lifting weights. Some guys want to lose weight, others want to gain it, so we have been here getting our bodies right. We just try to embrace our weaknesses individually and get better.