Overton, Federiko Media Session

LUBBOCK – Surrounded by local media in the team lounge following practice, Kevin Overton and Federiko Federiko spoke on Thursday afternoon about their decisions to transfer to Texas Tech, their development throughout the offseason, roles on the team and what they like about where the team has progressed to with only 19 days remaining until the season begins. Overton, a sophomore from Oklahoma City, is in his first season at Tech after playing his freshman season at Drake. Federiko, a Helsinki, Finland native, is entering his final collegiate season after playing at Pitt the previous two seasons. Both players are expected to make significant impacts for the Red Raiders this season in head coach Grant McCasland's second season leading the program.

The following responses are excerpts from their media session.

Overton on playing for McCasland and his role this season: "I understand now from the inside what it looks like. His passion and vision for winning will always keep me around him. His passion for winning and not wanting to lose is the biggest thing for me. I feel like he's instilled a really strong culture. Everything from the summer and retreat has us really close right now. We are a really unselfish team. With the depth, you've got nine guys who can all shoot, pass, dribble. Bigs who rebound and create. It's an unselfish team throughout."

Federiko on his strengths and role this season: "Dunks and blocks make everyone excited. Big plays. My defense is what I'm best at, but I still need to improve. I need to be more aggressive on offense. Being physical on offense and defense is something I'm working on. I'm here to rebound, play great defense get offensive rebounds. We have great size with me, JT, EY and Devan."

Overton on his impressions of how the team has come together in the offseason: "Our depth is crazy. A lot of teams have depth, but I've never been on a team this deep. We have a lot of skill, talent and size. I'm just trying to give everything I have. We have older guys that I'm learning from and give the youth that I can."

Federiko on his thoughts about the team: "I feel like we have a really good connection on this team. Everyone cares about each other. We have great locker room culture. I feel like we are really connected. Our culture is really good."

Overton on his role on the team and what he's working on as the season approaches: "My biggest strength right now is probably my defensive ability. My ability to use my length to cause chaos. Just be someone that my teammates know I'm connected with on defense. I'm not perfect, but I give everything I have on every defensive possession. If things go wrong, I'm on to the next play. Try to create a good habit. I've struggled with that throughout my life, but staying levelheaded is important for me. Keep going."

Federiko on the team and going up against Big 12 competition this season: "I feel like we have a really good connection on this team. Everyone cares about each other. We have great locker room culture. I feel like we are really connected. Our culture is really good. The Big 12 is the best basketball conference in the country. Five teams in the top 10 right now. I feel like to competing every day and playing against the best will prepare me to be the best I can be."

Overton on using experience he gained as a freshman at Drake where he started 35 games, averaged 11.3 points and advanced to the NCAA Tournament: "I feel like I know what it takes. I started all my games last year. There was a lot on my shoulders as a freshman and I feel like I know what it's like to have a big role. I look forward to showing that I'm someone who knows how to win."

Players Mentioned

Federiko Federiko

Kevin Overton

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