Rating:

5.0 (1 vote)

When it comes to having confidence, don't worry about Terrance Jones.

How a player sees himself can have a lot to do with how they adjust to life as a college player.

"Versatile player who pretty much likes to take advantage of his matchups," say the 6-foot-9 freshman forward.

"If a smaller guy is guarding me, then I'll try and post them up. If a bigger guy is guarding me then I will try and take them off the dribble."

Jones makes it sound simple. Often times, in basketball, it is.

The goal for the season is obvious.

"Win the national championship."

Jones is quick to say it. Many of the players were also quick to say National Championship. Cal is very good about goal setting. He is very good about getting his players working towards something specific.

Whether you are dealing with Cal or any coach, it's bigger than talked about in the media. If a player isn't getting a long with a coach, it almost never gets talked about in the media.

On the lighter side, there are funny stories from Rick Pitino's first UK team on how the players hated him so much because he worked them so hard, that all they could do after practice was crash because they were so tired. Many of those same players still think the world of Pitino even today after everything he's been through.

Not every coach is consistent. There were UK players who would tell you that Billy Gillispie was one coach when he was recruiting you, then when you showed up to play for him, he was a different guy. With Cal, and this is big, what you see is what you get.

"Easiest is just him not changing," says Jones.

"Him staying the same even when he was recruiting. And even when I'm here, him staying the same person and just expecting the same things he said you would expect."

"Hardest thing is just doing it at the fast pace he expects. Learning the stuff and trying to go as hard as you can is probably one of the hardest things."

When you are playing for the right to go to the Final Four, there is pressure. Last years Cats are still bothered by losing to West Virginia.

Ever feel pressure in a basketball game ?

"No. "

Never?

"No."

You don't know what the word pressure is.

"Nah. I mean once you have played in a lot of games it's just a rewind. You are doing a lot of things. I haven't played in a college game yet, I will probably be nervous the first game."

John Wall, even though he won his first game at UK admitted he was really nervous. A lot more than he expected. If there is ten seconds to go in the game, hit a shot to get to the Final Four, Jones says he won't be nervous.

"No."

Scouts honor?

"Yeah"

You always been this calm and cool?

"I mean that's fun and exciting. That's what you dream about have a little ten second play when you are shooting by yourself. That's what you always want."

Which is exactly what Cal wants.