We had a great preseason. The guys responded with what coach (George Karl) wanted early on in pace of the game, togetherness and defensive intensity. We've improved in those areas with a couple of setbacks, but we've improved each game.

The past two days, George (coach George Karl ) has been stressing that if the playoffs were today, this is who we'd play. We wanted to make a statement right away and tell them this is what they'll see if they play us.

All Coach Karl does is talk about UNC, ... And I can't say nothing about it.

I think Andre responded from some tough things that happened from him and he did some good things,

Occasionally, I may say something to see if I can get a response. Certainly, they responded, not that I want to take any credit for a comment like that. Each time they could have faded away, they found a way to come back and get after it again.

He's become like a coach on the court.