Boston College Athletics
Q&A With Aaron Brown
October 23, 2014 | Men's Basketball
What stood out the most to you when deciding on coming to Boston College?
"I wanted to go to a program - coming from two winning programs and BC struggling the last few years - to try and create a new culture. I wanted to be a part of something big and change it around to where BC used to be. The distance was great too. I want my family to come and see me in my last year."
You are the only one with NCAA Tournament or NIT experience on this team. What does that mean to you?
"It means a lot. A lot of people don't understand that it's a lot of hard work. My first couple of years being in the tournament and starting on the big stage like that is a definite confidence builder. We should have made the tournament at Southern Miss. We were 27-6. I am there to tell guys and show them how hard it actually is to win on a daily basis. You can't take days or reps off. Working hard gets you there."
Is it tough to come in and become an experienced leader with a new team?
"I thought it was going to be a lot more difficult, but it's been good. The coaches and players have been accepting of me. They know my attitude. I want to work hard and I want to win. They've accepted that. I am coming in to help any way I can to get us to the tournament."
How did you spend your summer?
"I actually played with the Virgin Island national team. We were in Mexico trying to qualify for Spain. We lost our last game, though. I played in the BVI for two weeks."
What are some different things this coaching staff has brought to the table compared to other ones you've played for?
"Coach never says `bad shot.' He's very defensive-minded. At the same time, when it gets into games he'll talk about the bad shots. They let you play freely and let you play your game. They get after it on the defensive end. I like the energy that they bring."
What are some positive steps you've seen this team take since your arrival?
"We were turning the ball over a lot when I first got here. That's changed. We have gotten a lot tougher - not taking plays off, playing through fatigue and getting better rebounding. We've gotten a lot better at rebounding. The chemistry is getting better, learning the plays and knowing who can do what. We are learning to put the right people in the right situations with the right play."
What are you most looking forward to in the next 22 days, the day of the season opener?
"Some people might think I'm crazy but I look forward to the practices every day. I know the hard work will pay off. It's my last year and I want to go out with a bang. The ACC has always been a dream. Being on the big stage again feels good and I am ready for it."
