Kansas Jayhawk seniors Holly Kersgieter and Zakiyah Franklin speak with the media about their upcoming opportunities and how the win over the Oklahoma Sooners on Senior Night compared to their favorite moments in Allen Fieldhouse.
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00:00 What impact has Samaya had on the roster this year and what do you think she can build on with the program in years when you guys aren't here?
00:10 I know people are looking at our program right now and they're thinking, "Oh, they're losing a bunch of starters and veteran players. What's Samaya going to have?"
00:19 As long as Samaya keeps doing what Samaya does and the coaches maintain who they are and what this program is, they're not going to have trouble finding people.
00:29 The freshmen that are going to come in, they live with a standard. Just like us, sometimes you look at our team and you're like, "What are we working with?"
00:39 It works out as long as you stay true to who you are. Anyone who looks at Samaya and doesn't say, "Oh, I wasn't worried about her. I've been doing crazy. I'm not worried about her."
00:49 I'm not worried for her. Obviously, she's going to be in this program and do great things. It's something to be excited about and not be worried about.
01:00 Is there anything you want to add to that?
01:03 If Samaya just continues to be herself and take it day by day, kind of like how we did, I think she'll be fine.
01:10 Honestly, this program is in good hands with her and the other pieces who come in. I just think the sky is the limit for this program.
01:19 It was the last game here. We've already talked about that. I don't want to rub it in anymore.
01:23 It's not your last game against Jayhawks, the big 12 tournament coming up and the NCAA tournament.
01:27 How excited are you guys to, on a bigger scale, show what this team is about and how hot you guys have gone over these past 11-12 games?
01:36 Last season we fell short and went to the NIT. I think that experience taught us a lot.
01:43 We will never forget that experience. We're very grateful for it.
01:46 We always wanted to set our heights so much bigger. I think this season, that's all we were thinking about.
01:53 Regardless of our record, we wanted to continue pushing forward. We know what pieces we have and what type of team we are.
01:59 We're just chipping away at each game. I think that's showing now. Now is a better time than ever.
02:06 I think we got the sentimental part out of the way. Obviously, we needed to end the season on a win, but today was more than that.
02:14 We know that even though we're not playing at home, we still have all the support that we need.
02:19 Now it's time to lock in. We've got some big games coming up. Now that we've finished all this stuff, we know that it's even bigger living on our own.
02:31 We're excited.
02:33 Holly, you said after the K-State game that it was your favorite memory in Allen Field House.
02:38 How does this one rate in Sakai? What about for you?
02:41 This is probably number two. I think the mood of today is different than the mood of my K-State, obviously.
02:52 That was more of killing our rivalry, which we had a lot of fun with. Obviously, today was a different topic to focus on.
03:01 It was just two different settings and mindsets, but today was just important. I had a lot of family here, a lot of friends.
03:12 I had a big crowd, personally. It was great to have them. Honestly, for our team to get revenge on OU, everything aside, we needed that win.
03:21 We felt like crap beating Norman last time. We needed that for our team big time.
03:26 I would rank this number one. No, I'm kidding. K-State is number one. I'm going to have to.
03:32 This one is going to be special, too, just to go out with the win, like you said.
03:36 Our families in attendance. It was just great to leave Allen Field House on a good note.
03:41 Like you said, we're on to bigger and better things.