RALEIGH, N.C. - Khamil Pierre didn’t sugarcoat much when she sat down with the media on Wednesday morning. The NC State All-ACC First Team forward said her first season in Raleigh came with plenty of adjustment, and she made clear she’s coming into this year with a sharper edge and a longer list of things she wants to clean up.
Pierre said the move from Nashville took some getting used to, though the city opened up to her once she spent more time in it. On the floor, she said the early part of the season was tough before she settled in and started playing better. Even so, she was blunt about the big picture: “I wasn't really proud with everything I had got done.”
One area she felt good about was the glass. Pierre pointed to rebounding as her biggest strength last season, saying she had a strong feel for the ball. But she also said she wants to improve across the board, naming defense, scoring and creating space as parts of her game she plans to keep working on.
That work has already shown up in practice, which Pierre described in glowing terms. “It's definitely been my favorite team in college basketball ever,” she said.
She talked about the energy in the group, the way everyone gets along, and the extra work that keeps happening even after a full day of track, lifting and scheduled time off. In her words, every player still comes back to get extra shots up with the coach.
For Pierre, that kind of buy-in ties directly to why the group is pushing so hard. She said the returners are motivated by how last season ended, while the newcomers understand how much the veterans want to improve.
She also noted that for some players, this is their last year and the draft is part of the equation. The common thread, she said, is being “really fixated as being successful as a team.”
Pierre also addressed the new five for five rule, saying she thinks it’s “super cool” that it passed. Still, she said she hasn’t spent much time talking about it with her staff or agent. Her approach is simpler: treat this season like it could be her last and give everything she has.
When asked who has stood out so far, Pierre didn’t single out just one player. “Honestly, everyone,” she said.
She mentioned Ky'she’s game, said she’s long been a fan, and called Desiree a strong addition because of her age, experience and work ethic. Later, she expanded on Desiree’s fit, saying she reminds her of Zam Jones and brings shooting, shot creation, passing and sound decision-making.
Pierre was just as direct when the conversation turned to rebounding. She admitted the staff would probably say she misses too many box outs and doesn’t box out well enough. Her answer, though, was pure confidence: “I just genuinely don't think anyone in the country is a better rebounder than me.”
Asked about where she wants to play, Pierre said she would love to be at the one but added, “no shot.” She described herself as a solid all-around player who still needs to improve her three-point shot if she wants to be more of a three. For now, she’s comfortable at the four or five, depending on what the team needs and what the staff asks of her.
She even laughed when the topic came up of leading the fast break. “Well, I know sometimes I get away with it,” she said.
Pierre also spent time talking about community work, and she framed it as something bigger than basketball. She said she doesn’t see herself as better than anyone else because she plays a sport, and that being in a position to help others matters. For her, giving back to kids and people who need support is more important than scoring or attention.
Among the moments she enjoyed most this summer, Pierre pointed to two in particular: going with teammates to watch Braylon’s game and helping put together bags of food and supplies for homeless people. She said the group made the bags after she bought the items, then went out to hand them over and talk with people.
Pierre also said her chemistry with Zoe Brooks is strong, crediting both their connection off the court and their shared goals for the season. She called Brooks one of the hardest workers on the team and said the two of them play well together.
As for the schedule, Pierre said she hadn’t looked at it yet, but she’s already ready for the competition. “I love talking trash,” she said, before adding, “I love being competitive, and yeah, I'm excited to play everybody, the best to the bottom.”
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