The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1510285
30 ■ THE WOLFPACKER Veteran Leader Ask Morsell any question, and the an- swer will eventually find its way back to the team. He does not take much credit for himself or care about his own stats publicly. For him, it's all about winning games. So, as he reflected on what he has learned over the two seasons he has been with the Wolfpack to this point, a key to winning popped across his mind: take care of the small details. "I really learned how much I value de- tails and the little things," Morsell said. "Things that don't really require talent, those are usually the things that lead to wins and great results. Not just in bas- ketball, but in life." Morsell said the details that do not require a player to have more talent than his opponent include being on time and putting forth maximum effort. If he, and the rest of the Wolfpack, do that, Morsell believes it would set the team up for success. Those little details will be key this season as NC State works to incorpo- rate eight newcomers, including seven transfers. For Morsell, that means con- tinuing to act as the veteran presence on and off the court for the Pack. His biggest goal has been to learn who his new teammates are as people, not just basketball players. "I think you already know what they can do from a talent perspective," he said, "but it's just [a matter of] trying to figure out how we can build the chem- istry, because that will translate into success on the court." It's important for Morsell to get to know his teammates, in his eyes, be- cause it helps tell the complete story of who someone is. "I've seen a lot, and I really do care about everyone here," Morsell said. "Ev- eryone here has something attached to them that's deeper than basketball. Caring about their journey to get here, who they are as people, that's what it's been for me [as a leader.]" While the Wolfpack is looking to build off last year's NCAA Tournament berth, which ended in a 72-63 loss to Creigh- ton in the first round, Morsell said it will be unique to this season's team. More than half the scholarship play- ers on the roster are new this season, so the process of coming together as one will be different, Morsell said. "You have to build differently because you have new pieces, new guys," he said. "Last year's look isn't the same as this year's look. Not that it's better or worse, it's just different. We have to approach it differently. We have to figure out what works best for each of the newcomers and try to lead them along to make the transition as smooth as possible." As Morsell readies for his final sea- son of college basketball, his overall goal is simple: to help his teammates reach their full potential. "I just want to be a guy that my team- mates can say, 'This guy made me bet- ter,'" Morsell said. "In terms of me scor- ing and being a guy that's productive, I feel like that will be there. But it's just, 'How can I make my teammates better?' Because that's what you need to win, and I'm all about winning more than my personal stats." Morsell is excited for this season in Raleigh, and his belief in the squad is palpable. But while he wants to win, he said the desire to make a run in March is for more than just NC State — he is focused on doing so for the city that welcomed him with open arms. "I feel like this team definitely has the tools to be successful," Morsell said. "But I really want to win, not just for NC State, but for Raleigh. Raleigh has been great for me and my family, and I just want to give this city what it de- serves." ■ A transfer from Virginia in 2021-22, Morsell has grown to become a veteran leader for the Pack and has his sights set on being in the discussion for ACC Defensive Player of the Year. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS " There's no better feeling than taking the other team's leading scorer out of the game and putting your team in a position to be successful. " Morsell