Watch: Jaime Jaquez, UCLA players discuss Gonzaga Sweet 16 matchup
LAS VEGAS — Ahead of Thursday night's Sweet 16 showdown against Gonzaga, UCLA players Jaime Jaquez, Tyger Campbell and Amari Bailey addressed the media to discuss the matchup.
Here's some of what the trio had to say.
Watch the full press conference video above.
Jaquez on what stands out about this year's Gonzaga team:
"I think more the offense obviously has been a big focal point of their team. And I think that's just constant throughout the three years that I've been here, being able to play them. They're always tough to guard in transition, the pick and roll as well. We're going to try to trust in our game plan, trust in the coaches and we're going to try to execute the best we can."
Campbell on UCLA's freshmen:
"Well, it's good having freshmen that are here and that are willing to listen and that are willing to take on the task in front of them. Amari being a great defender, for example, last game, he played a point guard that made Second-Team All-Big Ten and made it difficult for him all game. When you have guys that are just ready and they're going against veterans every day in practice, it makes it a little easier when they get out there. But all that has to do with effort and them locking into the scouting report also because with young guards it's hard -- they'll get back-doored, they'll get beat. There will be a lot of things you don't expect. But the guys we have, they've taken on this defensive job very seriously because they know that's the only way we're going to win is by defense. And they recognize that."
Jaquez on rooming with Drew Timme at a youth basketball camp:
"We were roommates at, I think, Ballislife Camp in So. Cal. It was great to get to know him and see how he was at the time. I don't think either of us knew how far our careers would go at that time. We were just kids enjoying basketball and having fun. And it's great to see him and all the success he's had there. And I credit that to all the hard work that he's put in. It's very cool to have full-circle moments like that in life. I think 360 is a magic number. I think a lot of things come full circle and this is another one of those instances."
Bailey on how he's managed to play his best basketball in March:
"Just trying to stay sane and trust in my work, trust in what we've built together collectively as a group. Not really getting beside myself, knowing that we're going to have to come in and compete for 40 minutes. Really just letting everything play out and whatever happens happens. Just staying present in the moment, really."
