Boston College Athletics
Q&A With Lonnie Jackson
October 25, 2014 | Men's Basketball
What did you do this summer on and off the court?
"I was up here for eight weeks with Coach and the team. We got some good work in, getting acclimated with the new coaching staff and the new team."
What are some things you tried to improve on since the end of last season?
"I tried to improve my ball handling and my play on the defensive side. The new coaching staff is bringing a defensive mentality so ball handling and defense were my main focuses."
You must have enjoyed the Gun Club right?
"I usually get some work in on my own but that forces you to get in the gym. It made me shoot a little more than I normally do but it was good."
Going back to that win at Syracuse... what was going through your head for those last four free throws?
"Honestly? I would say nothing. I was just focused on doing my proper mechanics. I basically put myself back in my backyard. All of those free throws I did in my backyard putting the pressure on myself and saying, `You're playing the No. 1 team in the country. What are you going to do?' And I just did that."
What are some of the positive things you've seen in the locker room since the end of last season?
"It's way more of a family. People are way more comfortable being together. It's a lot more of a positive environment than it was in the past. People are excited to do big things this year."
How do you feel now that you are one of the senior leaders of this team?
"I feel we have a great opportunity this year to do some big things. I'm just trying to stay positive with myself being out right now and getting myself prepared mentally so that when I get back out there I can be a key contributor to our team."
Why do you wear #20?
"When I was a freshman I was on the varsity team and there were only two or three jerseys I could pick from. It was forced down to me and I wore it all four years of high school. It worked out so I kept wearing it."
What are you looking forward to the most until the season opener?
"I'm looking forward to getting in these practices and competing again. I want to get back out there, play for the love of the game, play with my teammates and get more involved."
