Boston College Athletics
Q&A With Patrick Heckmann
October 12, 2014 | Men's Basketball
What did you do over the summer?
"I was here for two summer sessions, playing and working out. I also went home for a month to see a lot of family and friends."
Where did you watch Germany win the World Cup?
"I watched most of the games in the locker room with some teammates and then I went out for the final."
What have you tried to improve on the most since last season?
"I am working on my defense with Coach Christian; making sure to get in my stance a little quicker. We've done a lot of ball-handling, shooting and cutting to get open. We've been working on a lot of fundamentals."
What have practices been like so far?
"It's hard. It's fast. We're doing a lot of running. It's been a lot different but it's been fun."
How has the senior class taken on a leadership role with this team?
"The entire class has stepped up since Ryan and Joe left. They were two captains. Everyone has been stepping up and there's been a lot of good energy in practice. We're really excited for the season. We're obviously trying to do a little better than the last three years. I think everyone knows what's at stake and everyone's trying to make sure we improve."
How does the team become more consistent?
"We have to be more disciplined. Coach has been using that term a lot. There are a lot of techniques that he teaches us that if we do correctly, and if we are disciplined with it, then I think we can beat a lot of teams in the country. I think we're good enough as you saw against Syracuse. There have been days where I don't know what happened. We have to be disciplined in everything we do."
Why do you wear #33?
"When I was 15, I got to play on the first team for my club. They had already selected jerseys so #33 was the only one that was left since I was late joining the team. I got that number and I've been wearing it ever since.
What are you looking forward to the most in the next 33 days?
"Starting to play more, like exhibition games. It will be interesting to see how we do against other teams and how we match up."
