Washington Wizards Blog

The Wizards hosted workouts Friday for four low-post prospects in Eric Dawson (Midwestern State), Aaron Gray (Pittsburgh), Darryl Watkins (Syracuse) and Major Wingate (Tennessee) at Verizon Center.

QUOTES:
Aaron Gray, C, University of Pittsburgh
On his familiarity with the workout process:
“I have a little bit of experience with the process after last summer, but I still don’t know exactly what it is going to be like. My experience takes a little bit of the nerves away, and it adds to the excitement. I am not worried about what I’m doing, I’m just excited to be going out there and showing that I belong here in the NBA.”

On his return to the University of Pittsburgh for his senior season:
“I feel that I was more effective in scoring the basketball in different ways. It was a different setting for me last year because the defenses focused on me. I loved college. I went back to school, enjoyed the experience and had a lot of fun.”

On his workout schedule:
“I have completed five workouts and I think that I have four or five more scheduled. This workout with the Wizards is my sixth one. The way that I set up my schedule is that I have two or three workouts in a row and then two days off. My next workout is Tuesday, but it is nice because you will be experiencing this type of schedule in the next level, so it gives you feel of what you can expect — and that is exciting.”

Major Wingate, C, University of Tennessee
On today’s workout with the Wizards:
“I had my ups and down today, but I am just trying to stay positive as much as possible. I am trying to be like a sponge and learn all the information and suggestions that the coaches have been giving me. This is my second workout. I worked out with the Charlotte Bobcats, so I am excited about this experience.”

On his overall game:
“I am a good passer in the post and I can be a defensive presence. There is no reason not to play defense, and if your offensive game is not working, there is no reason to play defense. I feel those are my two biggest strengths.”

On playing professional basketball overseas last year:
“It was an experience. There were both positives and negatives. It was different, but I learned a lot from going overseas. I just went there and worked hard to make the best of the situation.”