Billy Kennedy discusses his team's successful roadtrip, 6-0 start

Key notes from Billy Kennedy interview

• I’m very proud that we rose up to the occasion of playing four games in a week and traveling all across the country. I knew it would be a challenge traveling and playing tough teams on the road. I’m just proud the guys were locked in when it came to game time. It’s always good to beat somebody on their home court like we did against USC.
   
• We have have guys buying in defensively. DJ Hogg did a good job shutting down Boatwright for USC. We continue to do it on the defensive end, that’s something we emphasize. We have enough talent and length to be dominant defensively. We need to improve on the boards on both ends of the floor.
   
• Offensively, Duane Wilson has given us more production than I thought he would. He didn’t score like that at Marquette. He’s going to bring us some energy but I’m surprised by the scoring he’s done. He’s an everyday guy. He pushes us to be more consistent on a daily basis.
   
• Rob Williams' defensive effort has been better this year. He’s more locked in to the details and the scouting reports. He’s guarding guys the way we want him to guard instead of standing behind guys and just trying to blocking shots.
   
• I think JJ Caldwell has been patient in his play. I told him we were going to gradually get him into the rotation. He’s given us good minutes. As he gets more comfortable,you’ll see more of his talent come out. I like what he’s done so far and he’ll continue to get better on both sides of the ball.
   
• I want to play better than we did last time at home. I don’t want to play down to the lesser talent. I want to see a more consistent effort. We need a good crowd to come out and support us. Hopefully they’ll give us some energy and we’ll play better.
   
• Arizona has two top round picks in the starting lineup. It will be a sold out crowd in Phoenix. They are a big-name team and it will be a tough game. We’ll need to play our best if we want to win. It won’t be like it was in Atlantis a couple years ago.