Junior center Festus Ezeli talked with reporters on Thursday about the Commodores' conference opener with South Carolina in Columbia.

On the excitement of starting conference play...
"Conference play is always exciting each year because it's bigger, badder competition, so we're just ready to show what we got."

On being ready for conference play...
"Yes, we are. We still have two more days of preparation before it starts so hopefully we can get some more work done before it starts. We're working hard every day."

On the long layoff between games...
"We like it because we get a lot of practice time. It's a chance for the coaches to get right what we've been doing wrong in the games."

On if Vanderbilt has stayed under the radar...
"We just do what we can. We're playing hard and tough and that's all that really matters right now. I don't think the recognition really matters. Eventually it will come but right now we're just focused on the game."

On the Commodores' rhythm...
"We have a very versatile team and everybody's playing their role. That's the first thing we talked about when the season started. We can be a really good team if everyone plays their role and plays it well. That's just what we work on as a team."

On the importance of getting a win in the SEC opener...
"Every game counts in the conference and it's big, so it's very important."

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