Wake Forest Athletics
Thomas and Miller-McIntyre Stand Out in Early Wins
11/14/2013 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 14, 2013
By Emma Lingan, WakeForestSports.com
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - After consecutive home victories over Colgate (Nov. 8) and VMI (Nov. 12), the Demon Deacons (2-0) are off to a hot start. Much of the heat has come from forward Devin Thomas and guard Codi Miller-McIntyre, who combined to score 87 points in the wins.
"I'm feeling good about this season," Miller-McIntyre said. "There are definitely a lot of things we still have to work on in terms of continuing to win. But as of right now I think everyone's just playing well, not really overthinking the game, and just playing more naturally than last year."
Now equipped with a year of experience, the sophomore duo is beginning to embrace a stronger leadership role. Thomas, who has dominated the glass over the last two games and leads the ACC in rebounding, led the Demon Deacons with 23 points against Colgate, in addition to notching 20 against VMI.
"I think [my game has] developed a lot since last season, as it should since I'm a year older," Thomas said. "I've had a year to get better and change. My role has become bigger for the team."
Miller-McIntyre has been on the attack as well, racking up a career-high 23 points on an efficient 9-of-14 shooting, as well as a career-high seven assists against VMI.
"It may not always translate into points, but I definitely plan on being more aggressive offensively and defensively this year," Miller-McIntyre said. "Last year I would shy away a lot and there were certain times I would just disappear on the court, but I'm trying to get out of that in these early games."
Thomas and Miller-McIntyre have made it clear that their strong performances in these early games are indicative of what they will bring to the court for the rest of the season. Still, they believe that there is always room for improvement.
"It's always good when you win your first two games," Thomas said. "But we've got to do a lot of work, especially on defense, to get better."
Defensive play is key focal point in practice this week for the Deacons, who will look for their third straight win against Presbyterian this Friday.
"I have to become more dominant and more aggressive on defense," Miller-McIntyre said. "With the team that we're going to play Friday, we're all going to need to do that."
As leaders, both Miller-McIntyre and Thomas hope to set examples for their teammates. For Miller-McIntyre, the key to success is to focus on the game rather than the score.
"The only expectation I have for myself is to just play my game and play how I know I can play," Miller-McIntyre said. "I don't really set numbers. I don't set a certain amount of assists or rebounds. I just play hard and play like I know how to play every single game."
Thomas is confident that if he and his teammates continue to build upon their early success, more victories--particularly in conference games--will be imminent.
"I have more team expectations than I do individual expectations," Thomas said. "The team expectations I have are to make postseason play and be on top of the ACC pack this year."
The Deacons will host Presbyterian on Friday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. at the LJVM Coliseum. The game will be broadcast online on ESPN3 and can also be heard on the Wake Forest IMG Sports Network.
