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A: My gut? It’s hard because he’s talked at times about the team and the guys and how he’s really enjoyed playing with these guys.

When we were in [the gym] doing some things [individually] and I gave him some instructions and said, ‘This is how we need to play the game,’ he said to me, ‘Coach, are we going to play this way next year?’ And I’d say, ‘Yes we are, that’s the plan.’ Then, on the other end, he’ll ask me did I hear anything from the league [NBA].

I think it’s just still up in the air right now. We’ll sit down and find out where he’s going with this, who all is coming out. ... There are players who could have gone last year and stayed in [college] and had great years. Now they’re lottery picks. He’s certainly a lottery pick is he comes out the proper year.

Q: So he still has not hired an agent and is keeping his options open?

A: Yes.

Q: Is is true J.J. will have just one workout for NBA scouts and officials, and that it will be on campus?

A: He’s not going to go around [for workouts]. He’s not going to make the circuit. After 15 years in that business, I can say that sometimes by the time they get to you they’re so worn out you can’t see the potential of the player. ...

I think when he does the workout, he’s going to move up.”

Q: Are there any other players you anticipate leaving the program?

A: Well, Brandon [Costner] could possibly graduate and leave.

Q: Had he indicated he might leave?

A: No. But I know academics are very important to Brandon [a rising redshirt junior] and his parents. I think they thought about him coming to school for three years and graduating.

So that’s going to be always there. So that changes our thought process in terms of recruiting. We have to make sure we’ll have enough big guys to replace J. J. and Brandon and then Ben [McCauley] next year.”

Q: Do you anticipate Brandon being back?

A: I’m going to anticipate him being back, yes.

Q: You came in with an NBA background. Is there anything you’ve learned after two years in college basketball that made you realize you need to change as a coach?

A: Yes. I’m going to be learning and making adjustments the entire time I’m here but I think I know my players better now. So now it’s putting them in certain situations where they can be more effective. We had to call all the plays this year with [freshman point guard Javi Gonzalez].

Next year, we’re already talking about things to change our style a little bit. I’d rather for them to get up and down and get into the flow of the offense. But the times we tried it this year we’d turn it over and have those 21, 23 turnovers.

But, yeah, there are changes I have to make as coach. The X-and-O part I don’t think I need to change, because when we did execute, we did get pretty good shots. But I shouldn’t have to call as many plays this year. It should be more free-flowing and just allow guys to play.

Q: Farnold Degand and Johnny Thomas are coming off knee surgeries. How has the rehab gone and will they be back full strength for next year?

A: I think Farnold is ahead of Johnny. We certainly need Farnold because he has that thing you can’t teach, that speed. And he was playing pretty well for us when he got hurt. So Farnold, knock on wood, should be ready to go and Johnny will take a little longer.

Q: You have two players signed for next year, Julius Mays and C. J. Williams. Will you add any others?

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