Chicago-119, Washington-108
Q. Juju, on the broadcast Drew was talking about the way you rebound and just your pursuit of the ball is in today's NBA a lost art. Is it just as simple as you notice that there is a need for it, I'm going to go after it because I can do it and do it well, and that's kind of how you've figured out how you can impact the game?
JUJU REESE: No, it's kind of -- yeah, it's kind of like, just trying to find a way to impact the game, as you said. That actually just came a little bit easier for me and just doing it at a high level in college, and it translated well to the league. I'm just trying to work at that and get better at that.
Q. You told me when you first got here learning the schemes and understanding the verbiage that they want is probably going to be the one thing that takes the longest for you to transition, but it seems like you are building a really nice chemistry out there. How much more comfortable are you feeling as these games have kind of gone on?
JUJU REESE: It came a little easier. Just understanding everything that the guys and the coach needs to do, like learning the game and the schemes, as you said. Especially with great (indiscernible), like AG and JC just taking me under their wing. AD, as well. Just teaching me what I need to know, telling me all the plays and the sets and just the speed of the game. They just make me feel comfortable for the game come a little faster.
Q. You just mentioned AD. Can you tell us anything in particular that you have learned from him?
JUJU REESE: You know, just playing with physicality. He's just telling me to play with that chip on my shoulder like I've been doing. Just trying to be the most confident player on the court. Just things like that. Just little jewels and gems like that he's just telling me here and there during timeouts and stuff like that.
Q. Also, what have you learned just being in the NBA now that you've played a few games with the Wizards here?
JUJU REESE: I've learned every night you're going to have somebody on court that's one of the best players in the world. You're playing with some of the best athletes in the world and just there's no days off in the league.
Just trying to take advantage of that and as an opportunity. Just trying to go out there and impact the game any way I can.
Q. How would you compare rebounding at the NBA level to the other levels of basketball that you've played? Is it the same concepts apply, or has there been an adjustment you've had to make?
JUJU REESE: Yeah, this level is a lot of three-pointers, so I feel like it's kind of more longer rebounds and rebounds where I can't really just, like, close out, turn around, and run to the basket. It's going to go over your head. I learned that kind of early, especially with the shooters we got on our team.
So offensive rebounding, just got to kind of stand on the perimeter a little bit more, float, and there will be someone there as well. I can go into detail, but it would be kind of too long, you know. Like, just -- more allowing more threes, a lot more long rebounds.
Q. You mentioned rebounds around the basket. The league tracks contested rebounds, and you've been one of the better players in the league at grabbing those. Can you speak to that? Has it felt like you've grabbed a lot of contested rebounds in the NBA?
JUJU REESE: I mean, I'm the type of guy I look at the ones I don't get contested. I really like kind of hanging my hat and just trying to be more physical than guys like that. I didn't really know that stat, but yeah, just trying to attack the ball. Whoever is in the area, just me and somebody else, just who wants it more.
Q. Despite it being a small sample size, when you look back since you've entered the league, what's the most notable thing you feel like you've learned or have improved in your game? What are the things that you want to look for in yourself these last two games?
JUJU REESE: Yeah, just being more physical offensively. Looking more towards the basket. First game I probably wasn't even looking at the basket. I was really just trying to, like, run plays, kind of being a robot, but now I'm kind of getting my feet under me and just trying to affect games in those ways on offense as well. Just doing whatever the team needs me to do just because they can't have nobody out there just not looking at the rim. So just trying to affect the game in those ways.
Q. I believe this was your fourth 15-plus rebound game. The only person to have more is Shaquille O'Neil. To be in company with a guy of that stature, what does that mean to you?
JUJU REESE: It means a lot. Shaq is probably, if not the most, one of the most dominant centers of all time. Being in that company is a blessing, along with the blessing of me just getting this opportunity.
Q. Have you had time to kind of process all of this from a few weeks ago, not even being in the official league at the time and having to pack up all your stuff, come here, and then start games without even getting a full practice with the team and now putting up numbers like that? Have you had time to reflect on it?
JUJU REESE: Not really. I'm kind of going day by day. I feel like after the season that's kind of when, like, okay, just plan some stuff out, like this is where I'm at right now. Just trying to, again, get me feet under my and get my mind straight.
Now I'm kind of just flowing, just taking it day by day, and just trying to get better.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports