Acie Law IV previews Vanderbilt, talks SEC Legends honor

Key Notes from Acie Law IV interview

• It’s a great honor to be recognized for your accomplishments as a collegiate basketball player. I wish I was a part of the SEC as a player because we were a part of the Big 12 at the time.
  
  
• None of this is possible without my team, even “The Shot”. All the accolades I was able to achieve as a player had to do with my teammates, coaches and support from my fans. It wasn't just me, a lot of people had to do with my accomplishments.
  
  
• We didn’t know what it took to win before Coach Gillespie came in. We were willing to do anything. We had a guy who just came from the tournament with UTEP so whatever he said we were going to do it.  That first year we were able to win games and we were competitive in the league. It was a gradual thing. We were just working and doing whatever we were told.
  
  
• I’m not sure if "Billy ball" could work in this age. That dude was tough. It’s a different era now with social media. He’d have to get some guys who would buy in to what he was trying to accomplish. It’s easier to buy into his work and coaching if you understand where he is coming from.
  
  
• We needed each other to get through getting used to Coach Gillispie. We couldn’t get through it without each other. There’s a bond we created and developed as teammates. To this day, a lot of us are still in contact. That time is what we all point to that brought us together.
  
  
• I’ll be honored individually tonight during A&M's game. All of us will be here and be honored during the semifinals on Saturday. It’s a pretty cool deal, I’m excited to be here.
  
  
• We've talked about it all season, Vanderbilt's strength is on the perimeter. It’s a tough matchup for A&M. It’s a bad draw. Essentially, its a home game for Vanderbilt. It’s a team who has a lot to play for against one who doesn’t.  I’m not sure what to expect. Robert and Tyler is where your advantage is at. Vanderbilt is the ability to play five on the perimeter. It’s hard to beat a team three times in one season so I’m looking for a competitive game. Vanderbilt has a ton to play for because they are one of those bubble teams trying to get into the dance.
  
  
• JC Hampton has to play well. He’s been inconsistent, but when he shoots the ball well this team normally has success. They need him in this tournament so they can get a good win. I think A&M wins if they can defend the three. Vanderbilt does a good job of bringing Tyler and Robert away from the basket. If those guys can handle their matchups and defend the perimeter, A&M has a chance of pulling this off.
  
  
• My favorite game at A&M besides “The Shot” was beating Syracuse. It was our first taste of the NCAA Tournament. The locker room after that victory was a moment where we let it all hang out. Coach Gillespie was excited, all the players were dancing around. How we were celebrating, you would have thought we won the whole tournament. It was a pretty cool moment and memory.