WATCH: David Singleton Talks 3-Point Shooting, UCLA Preparing For Vegas
UCLA men's basketball guard David Singleton spoke with reporters ahead of Wednesday morning's practice session at the Mo Ostin Basketball Center. Singleton talked about his thoughts on the first three games of the season, how coach Mick Cronin is pushing him to be a bench scorer, how he's preparing for Illinois, Virginia and Baylor, what his advice is for the younger players in these big neutral site games and the keys to being a great 3-point shooter.
How have the first three games gone?
The first three games, I thought we’ve really progressed, we got better as a team. I tell the guys every time, it doesn’t matter who steps on the court, let’s just try to get better. Some of have been there, some of us haven’t, but we know what it takes to win, so that’s what I just remind the team.
More assertive scoring? Is that an approach you knew you had to take this year?
Uh, yeah, you know, coach has always been pushing me in practice, he’s been on me about scoring production this year—we’re going to need a leader, we’re going to need that production off the bench, so I’m just stepping up to the role.
What do shorter rotations put on the veterans who might need to play more minutes this weekend?
I mean, you know, Illinois, Virginia and Baylor, they’re all great teams, so we just have to come prepared for whatever the coach feel like, what’s best for the team, to put us in the best position for the best chance to win, so that’s what he’s going to do, so we just all have to be ready.
What's your biggest advice to the freshmen playing in their first big games?
Um, just slow down and take a breath, it’s going to be an exciting moment for everyone. They’re a great team and they’re going to hit back and they’re going to hit back hard, you just have to endure the storm and stay together, stay connected.
What's the key to being a good 3-point shooter?
Uh, just footwork and pace, knowing when to shoot. You know, I watched a lot of great three-point shooters growing up, they all have their form, their pace and their footwork’s the most important.
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