Elijah Saunders, Diggy Coit talk transition to Maryland basketball, playing for Buzz Williams

Ahmed Ghafir
59 minutes ago
3 min read

After head coach Buzz Williams took the stage to meet with the BTN crew, senior transfers David ‘Diggy’ Coit and Elijah Saunders dove into prep for year one with Maryland men’s basketball, including quick insight on an offseason practice the team took in hours before departing for Big Ten Media Day:

On how Wednesday’s practice went

Saunders: “Physical. I feel like every day is physical when you play for Buzz Williams, but it's been a lot of work. It's probably been the hardest I've worked since I've been in college, but the experience has been amazing.”

Coit: “I would say the same. This is definitely the hardest I've worked, but most connected group I've been with, most connected coaching staff I've ever been with. Been challenged so much mentally, more than physical as well, too, just a lot of mental challenges and being uncomfortable, being pushed to a limit. So it's been a blessing, though. It's been great.”

Saunders on what he brings to the Big Ten

“I would just say experience. Two years at San Diego State, went to Final Four, went to Sweet 16. Virginia was kind of unique experience with coach [Tony] Bennett retiring, but just using those experiences and expanding my game, stretching the floor and now trying to be more of a leader. I'm more of a lead by example person, but also trying to lead vocally.”

Coit on why he chose to play for Buzz Williams, his game

“I chose to play for him just because I know the culture that he built and everything that he's had a lot of guys who play hard. And then he plays through his guards, allowing them to have the freedom to be creative with the ball, but also building them as men. And I knew that was going to be a main thing I wanted to do. Obviously, coming to my coming to my last year, really touching the real world. Obviously, wanted to be a pro, but want to be a better man. So I would say people could expect me to be creative with the ball, score, play-make but also be a great leader, great, great person.”

Saunders on comparing San Diego St HC to Buzz Williams

“They're very similar. Defensively, switching multiple positions, vocal, the attention to detail. That was something that I was looking for this time around the portal. I would say the thing about Buzz is just how he is as a person. He cares about you more than basketball. He tries to build you as a man, not just as a player. And just the impact he's had on me in just the past couple months I've been here has just been a blessing.”

Who has stood out in practice

“Isaiah Watts, Myles Rice, those are two transfers who played at Washington State together. And obviously they have some chemistry, but just great guards. I think everybody for real. Darius Adams, the freshman, very skilled, can score the ball very well. I think we just got guys that could do a little bit of everything. George [Turkson], very hard working guy. We got a lot of like high character dudes in the gym. So I would say, from the most part, it's just been somebody different every day. Just - that's what Buzz just brings out of you.”

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