March 28, 2008

Xavier senior guard Stanley Burrell has locked down opponents' top perimeter players while shooting just under 40 percent from three-point range this season and surpassing the 1,600-point milestone for his career. We sat down with the A-10 Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Conference selection after the Musketeers' 79-75 overtime win over West Virginia that propelled XU into the Elite Eight for just the second time in program history.

Q: Talk about the transformation in your game from being the primary option on offense to one of the best defensive players in the country?

SB: My first couple years, my role was to score and lead us offensively. With so many guys emerging for us this year on the offensive end of the floor, I know I can affect the game in so many different ways and do whatever it takes to get us to the next level.

Q: How did the challenges Xavier faced in the non-conference and in league play prepare the team for the NCAA Tourney?

SB: Every situation that we went through in the non-conference and in A-10 play made us so battle-tested and we have such poise under pressure because of it. I am so proud of my guys because when things get rough, we always stay together and we know we'll get the job done together as a team.

Q: You picked up your second foul with just over ten minutes remaining in the first half versus West Virginia yet you were able to finish the half without picking up your third foul. Last year, if you were in foul trouble early in the first half, would you have been able to stay in the game?

SB: Not at all. Once again it goes back to experience and being in situations when I played in foul trouble before. Playing smart, moving my feet more, and coach did a great job of staying with me and believing I wouldn't get my third foul in the first half.

Q: As an underclassman you benefited from playing with experienced guys like Brian Thornton, Justin Cage and Justin Doellman who played in the NCAA Tournament and knew how to prepare both on and off the court for those challenges. Have you tried to follow their example and take the younger players under your wings?

SB: The experiences I've had over the past four years have made me the leader I am and allowed me to keep the younger guys calm when things get tough. I have to give Dante' Jackson a lot of credit because he's like a sponge asking questions and trying to get better and has become one of our key guys off the bench. It feels good to lead one of our younger guys and hopefully he can continue the winning tradition at Xavier.

Q: Your thoughts on Saturday's contest...

SB: To have an opportunity to play for a trip to the Final Four is huge. At the same time, this team is all about one game at a time, living in the moment and appreciating everything. I know our coaches will have us ready and stepping on the floor with a chance to go to the Final Four will be amazing. It doesn't get much better than that.