NBA pre-draft interview quotes from Nerlens Noel, a 6-10, 225-pound forward/center (he weighs less right now due to injury) who played college basketball at Kentucky. Here's what he had to say the day before the 2013 NBA Draft:

Q: What type of team/system do you see yourself being a good fit for?

Nerlens Noel: Definitely an up-tempo team, a team that likes to get up and down, run and gun, and being able to use my athleticism.

Q: What case can you make that you should be the top pick?

Noel: I’m a good teammate. I’m ready to go to work. I want to get better. I want to be great. I want to teach my potential, and be the best player I can be.

Q: How much did Kentucky’s success at producing top picks sway your decision to go to school there?

Noel: Yeah, it definitely had an impact on my decision. Playing under Coach Cal (John Calipari), it was the best decision I could have ever made. He has that experience of dealing with these situations, with guys that are going to go high in the draft. I knew when I went there, he wasn’t going to accept anything less than my best. That’s what I really look for in a coach.

Q: In terms of your body, what do you think will be an ideal playing weight at this point in your development?

Noel: In terms of an ideal weight, I think the most I’ve been is 225. Right now I’m at 217, but I think I can get right back up to 225, 230 by the time I’m ready to come back and play.

Q: Is there a target weight for a little later in your career, to help deal with the pounding of the NBA?

Noel: I’d like to put on weight gradually, but definitely keep my mobility, my athleticism throughout my career, and not pack on weight so soon.

Q: How disappointing was it to not be able to finish the season?

Noel: Very disappointing. Not being able to play with my teammates and finish out the year was a real emotional thing for me. I tried to stay positive about it. I was at every practice, making sure I gave those guys the support they needed.

Q: What was your experience like down in Orlando when you met with all their people?

Noel: It was great. They have a great group of guys down there. They’re very confident about their program, and they’re very serious about getting back to being a championship-contending team. I really liked them.