Media day has come and gone. The excitement was buzzing just hearing what the players and coaches had to say about preparing themselves for training camp and the regular season.
In his first NBA media day event, Willie Cauley-Stein seemed locked and loaded to step-up to the NBA level.
When asked about the potential of this team on paper his response was very positive.
“I think we’re like the suicide squad,” Cauley-Stein said smiling. “If we come together, we can be something special. If we come together we could be contenders.”
Making this team become united seems to be the game plan going into training camp. It seems that everyone, including Cauley-Stein understand that if this team does not find a way to mesh, the Kings could be looking at another long season.
During the offseason, bonding with one another through local events (Urijah Faber workout, fire department seminar, or the SacState football game) became a must because comradeship and unity is the best way to build team chemistry.
The biggest advocate that has preached unity has been DeMarcus Cousins. Not only that, but he has taken Cauley-Stein under his wing and given him very positive advice on how to become a better basketball player and consummate professional.
“Just not to stop working. Always be trying to do something that is going to better you,” said a thankful Cauley-Stein. “Every day you have to come with a different mentality on how you are going to get better today.”
Many fans have wondered what position the rookie would excel in but Cauley-Stein believes his versatility is what makes him a solid threat for this team.
“Probably more comfortable playing at the four, but their kind of interchangeable,” Cauley-Stein said. “The four or the five are pretty much the same, so if you play one you play the other.”
The poise in which Cauley-Stein answered these questions was phenomenal. The pressure of being a first-round pick seemed to not phase the 7-foot, defensive specialist.
As the team is loading up to head to San Diego for training camp, the takeaway from media day was Cauley-Stein being eager to work hard. Walking into training camp with a “better yourself” mentality is exactly what a coaching staff wants to hear.
“From my perspective, from the NBA, you can get as good as you want to get,” said a confident Cauley-Stein. “You have all the resources and all the time in the world to accomplish your dreams. If you want to be one of the best players then you will come in here and do what the best players do.”
Cauley-Stein admitted to having workouts with assistant coach, Nancy Lieberman and how great it was working with her during summer league.
“I love working with her. I love when she is in the gym with us, giving us pointers, giving us tips,” Cauley-Stein said.
No matter the gender, Cauley-Stein as well as the entire roster, understands the knowledge that Lieberman brings.
“She is a coach though. You got to look at it from the accomplishments she has and the players she came up with,” Cauley-Stein said.
As an individual, Cauley-Stein does have personal accolades he hopes to accomplish in his first season.
“Definitely make the all-rookie team,” said a chuckling Cauley-Stein. “I definitely want to be Rookie of the Year, basically anything you can win as a rookie, I want to win that.”
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