NCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP: FIRST ROUND - AUBURN VS IOWA

March 15, 2023

Kris Murray

Filip Rebraca

Connor McCaffery

Legacy Arena

Iowa Hawkeyes

Media Conference

Q. Connor, now that you've gotten the chance to dissect Auburn's team, what stands out about their defense? They are one of the best perimeter defenders in the country.

CONNOR McCAFFERY: Yeah. Their pressure. They really fly at shooters, so we definitely need to adjust throughout the game. But they really get up in your space, they are athletic, they are fast. Obviously, we have all seen that. Just going to need to be a disciplined game, try to not let them speed us up.

Q. We've heard a few times that the team wants to take sort of a business-like approach for preparing for this game but also you guys as seniors, you two in particular, this is sort of a big deal. How do you balance that emotion with the attempt to, you know, to prepare at a normal way?

FILIP REBRACA: I mean, it's definitely difficult. It's emotional. Speaking for myself, it could be one of my last games as a Hawkeye. And one of the last games in my college career. I'm out here enjoying my time, and I got to still stay focused, because if we win I feel like we can make a run. So just executing the game plan and having a business-like approach, like you said is key.

CONNOR McCAFFERY: For me as well, this is -- last year I wasn't sure if I was going to come back or not. Using my COVID year. It all hit me at once after last year because I didn't really think about that kind of stuff. So it ended up not being great for me. This year I try to deal with it better, kind of look big picture throughout the entire season and handle it early on, and as we wind down -- we only have a couple games, I think six possible games left to go. So my career obviously coming to an end and just kind of deal with that as it goes.

Q. Obviously, Kris, top NBA prospect, how are you balancing that and making sure you prepare for NCAA Tournament with your teammates?

KRIS MURRAY: Yeah. I think it's something that I have to look at after the season. So right now I'm focusing on my team, just trying to do whatever we can to win these few games. Throughout the season, obviously that could be in the future, but honestly I take it game by game, enjoy this time with my teammate. Got a couple guys, it will be the last time around. Enjoy it with them and enjoy it with the whole team.

Q. Filip, I mean, Auburn is one of the best shot-blocking teams in the country, especially down low. Is there a defense you have played against this season that reminds you of it, and how do you prepare to go up against it?

FILIP REBRACA: I'm not sure. I feel like there's in the Big 10 we have teams that are good shot blockers. Rutgers, Omoruyi is a good shot blocker. Trayce, too. So we have great players too that are elite shot blockers. You have to take time and be patient. But I don't think this is anything that will -- I mean it's not like we haven't seen it before, but we respect that they are elite at it so we have to understand when you drive in there what's going to happen.

THE MODERATOR: Okay, gentlemen. Good luck.