Tigers Basketball Q&A: Lester Quinones

In the current age of basketball where players wear their shorts long, how and why do you like the "short" shorts look?
It kind of started off as a joke, just wearing them one time (like that) back in high school at IMG (Academy). I did it for a day. After that, I was like, 'I'm going to start doing this now.' Then other people started doing it with me. I brought it here, and when I played my first game for Memphis, it went viral. So, then, I sort of got stuck with it. I kind of can't go back now. If I do go back, the fans are going to be like, 'Where are your shorts at?' It happened with the 3-point contest (at Memphis Madness). I didn't roll my shorts up for that, and the fans went crazy. It's kind of my image now, and it's just stuck with me.

Where did you learn about or get the idea of wearing your shorts short?
It kind of just happened. I just rolled them up out of nowhere one time at a practice. I thought it was comfortable, so I kept it.

Wearing your shorts that way, you're bringing back the old-school look. Do people from that generation call you about it?
Definitely. Family members who played back in the day tell me that's how they wore their shorts. The television commentators, they show old photos of players (wearing short shorts).

How do you roll the shorts up to get 'your look?'
I just tuck them right into my tights, and they stay there the entire game.

What brought on your 'air guitar' celebration move last season?
Isaiah Maurice. I saw him do it first last year. I was really close to him. With him being a senior and me being a freshman, he was kind of my bigger brother in the program. He started doing it, and I said, 'Let me try that.' And the fans loved it, so it stuck with me just like the shorts.

Are you looking at carrying on the 'air guitar' or are you looking for a new celebration move?
It depends on the moment. It happens in the moment.

You play with such a high basketball IQ. Why is having that part of the game important?
I always try to make the smart play. Coach emphasizes having a high IQ every single play. With him being such a high IQ point guard back when he played, it's really about just having fun out there. It's a natural instinct. Make the right plays all the time and not be selfish. It helps to bring the team together and win a lot of games.

How do you cultivate that high basketball IQ?
A lot of film. Growing up, my dad would also emphasize watching film, watching myself, watching my mistakes so I don't make them again. That plays a huge part. Also, having a passion for the game, giving it my all every single time. I play with that chip on my shoulder, trying to make winning plays.

Did you always enjoy watching film?
As a kid, it was probably the worst thing (laughing). Being 10, 11, 12 years old, watching film was horrible. Now, I can look back and thank him (dad) for that. I can appreciate it now because I'm used to watching hours of film.

What's it like to watch your mistakes on film?
You definitely want to watch your mistakes, see your mistakes. If you don't see your mistakes and correct them, you're going to keep making them. Also, watching your good plays you make and try to do that more. Sitting down with Coach and watching film helps too because he talks through my mistakes and my good plays.

Your hand injury last year was sort of a freakish accident. Describe what happened.
My arms were out on defense, and the Ole Miss player set a screen that wasn't called out. My hand hit the screener's chest, and the contact broke my hand.

What were your feelings during that time when you were out with the hand injury?
Sitting on the sidelines and watching everybody, it hurt – especially with the special team we had. It kind of helped me to see everything from a different perspective, the coaches' perspective. Sitting next to the coaches during practice and hearing what they are saying was good too. It all helped my IQ grow better than it was. From that time, I could now be an on-the-court coach and help the team win.

How have you worked on improving your 3-point shot?
Getting up shots every day. I try to shoot 1,000 shots every day that I can. That repetition helps with consistency. That's key. Also locking in on every single shot and not allowing a missed shot affect my next shot.

What else have you worked on in the offseason?
Definitely, attacking their close-outs and getting to that second and third level and looking to kick the ball. I have also worked on my rebounding. I feel that my rebounding has improved from last season.

You are one of the team's top defensive players. What does it take to play great defense?
It's a lot of grit and grind, toughness. It comes from the heart. Defense is all about heart, pride. Locking in on your man, studying your man, studying film on him days before. Also, it's being out there and going hard, giving it your all and showing heart. That's the best way to play defense. You can't teach heart, you can't teach passion. It's something you have to bring.

How did you end up coming to Memphis?
I was recruited late by Memphis. I already had my list cut down, but Coach Hardaway and (former) Coach Miller reached out to me. They came down and did a couple of home visits, and I loved the relationship that we built. The bond me and Coach Hardaway have is amazing. I feel me and him are really close. I appreciate everything that he's done for me.

What are you doing to take on a leadership role with this team?
I'm holding myself accountable before I hold someone else accountable. I can't get on somebody for not doing something if I'm not doing it the right way. I'm just locking in on doing everything right, the correct way, how Coach wants it. Also, being vocal on the court and communicating.

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