Q&A with Devon Archie

Oct. 24, 2010

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By ADAM MEIER

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior forward Devon Archie is anxious to hit the basketball court after sitting out all of 2009-10 with a shoulder injury. The 6-foot-9 Archie is a native of Indianapolis, Ind., and he was previously a two-time team captain at Vincennes (Ind.) Community College.

Q: How excited are you to finally get the chance to play Big Ten Conference basketball?

A: I’m really excited. It’s something you grow up watching. I used to watch IU (Indiana University) you know, growing up in Indiana. The atmosphere of the Big Ten is great and it’s going to be exciting to play in this conference.

Q: You’ve had more than a year to train since the injury. What aspect of your game have you worked on most during that time?

A: Footwork. I’ve been working a lot with my footwork around the basket and finishing. Those have been the two biggest things I needed to improve. I’ve also been trying to get more physical because it’s real physical down there in the paint. Having a go-to move — I’ve been working on that all summer; just working on anything that will help the team.

Q: Did sitting out last season give you extra motivation leading into this season?

A: Yes, it definitely has. But, you know, I would have come in ready to practice and ready to play no matter what happened last year. I’m just hungry and ready to prove myself.

Q: How difficult was it watching the team struggle last year from the bench? A:It was difficult because I felt I could’ve really help the team out. at the same time it was a learning experience. I watched them play, so I know what to expect a little more, and I found out what I really needed to work on when I do play.

Q: : What kind of early impression have you gotten from head coach Fran McCaffery?

A: I think he’s a real good coach. He’s very intense and I think that’s what we need. That intensity will really get us going. We all love the new style of play he’s bringing to the team and can’t wait to see how things go.

Q: What are your feelings on the new assistant coaches?

A: I think we have a great staff. They’re real helpful. They’re real motivational when they work with you. They really get the team going. They’re going to tell you what they want you to hear, even if you don’t want to hear it; and that’s a good thing.

Q: : This team has a large group of newcomers. What do they need to do to help the team?

A: They need to play hard. They need to come in here and help us prepare. They are going to be getting better as we continue to get better as a team. They’re definitely an important part of the team.

Q: What do you anticipate your role being this season?

A: Finishing around the basket and being a factor on defense. Just doing the basic things and help the team any way I can.

Q: People have waited a long time to see you on the court. What should they expect?

A: Energy. I’m going to play with a lot of energy and hustle. That’s the type of player I am. I’m going to get the team going. They’re going to see me energize the team. I’ll block shots and finish around the rim with dunks…those types of things.

Q: : What should the fans expect to see on the court this season as far as playing style?

A: It’s run-and-gun. We’re going to run it, run it and run it.