PowerMizzou.com: There was talk you might play at the start of the season, but are you happy with how things worked out?

Dain Wise: It was a good opportunity. I got a lot stronger and the strength program, coach Ivey did a really good job. That's probably the toughest it's ever been on us and we really saw a lot of improvement.

PM: Where did you make the most improvement?

DW: I think I adjusted to the speed of the game a lot better and learned what speed you have to play coming from high school. I was used to a little bit slower pace of things.

PM: Not having gotten to play, how much do you think about next year?

DW: That's the only thing I think about, next year. That's what you've got to think about when you're watching the games from the sidelines. You've got to think about next year. That's what you think about when you're waking up at six in the morning to go work out. That's what you think about, otherwise it's hard to stay motivated. When you think about the future, you think about what you're working towards, it helps you stay focused.

PM: How much time will you take off after the game?

DW: I'll probably take about a week off. I've been lifting pretty hard for about a year and a half. I'm kind of worn down. I'll take a week off, probably get a good week of lifting in before I come back up. After that, we don't have much time.