Defend the Block 398 - Brandon McCoy Jr., Quinn Costello Transcript
8/25/2026 9:35:00 AM | MGoBlue Podcasts
Brian Boesch • 00:00
Two items off the top here. First off, the interviews I'm about to share with you were recorded before the team left for Lithuania. Today's episode won't have anything on that trip. With the back to back games in Lithuania Sunday and Monday and me not being out there, I didn't want to try to push for an interview or information from thousands of miles away during a pretty important and busy trip for the team and staff. So we'll have more reaction from that trip in the weeks ahead. Secondly, if you saw the Quinn Costello interview on the Michigan Athletics YouTube channel, the one on this episode is the same one. I'd like to say it was a way to try to promote that. We are doing more video components on Michigan Athletics YouTube channel. It was actually just a user error but glad it got out. Glad it had a good reception early on. So it is the same interview.
Brian Boesch • 00:48
But if you did not see our Michigan Athletics YouTube feed with the Quinn Costello interview from last week, it was it is here along with Brandon McCoy junior and if you do prefer seeing the podcast, we encourage you to go over there. A lot more already on that YouTube channel and a lot more to come. Anyways, I just wanted to make sure to flag that. But as the team starts finding out what this talented freshman class can do against other competition, we'll start getting to know them here on Defend the Block. I wanted to start with the two McDonald's All Americans, Costello and McCoy. Mike Boynton junior Has talked about both, but certainly the McCoy conversation has been more frequent outside than the Costello one starting all the way back when McCoy committed. It was about as cool of a way as you can commit Michigan playing in the Final Four in a game they would dominate Arizona in.
Brian Boesch • 01:42
And there's McCoy with the Fab Five on the alt cast saying he's going to be a member of the Maize in blue. And McCoy has certainly jumped off the page in some of the practices I have seen. No breaking news here. McCoy's going to play and I think he's got a chance to play a lot as a super talented freshman. As for Costello, I thought Mike Boynton Jr's response to a question I asked him here on the podcast last month stood out. I'm never going to ask a coach their rotation or starting lineup three and a half months before a team's first real game, but I do enjoy the open ended questions covering potentially a wide range of players. I asked Boynton about the newcomers who stood out or caught his eye at this point in the first month or so of summer Work. Here's that answer.
Mike Boynton Jr. • 02:29
I don't know if anyone stands out, like in a. In a major way. I think, I think we had high expectations for the group already. I'll say this about maybe Quinn Costello. He's bigger than he was. I think he's grown here in the last couple months and he picks up things really fast, really, really smart. And so maybe a guy who people aren't maybe as in tune with what he can do and how much he can help and we don't know for sure. Right.
Mike Boynton Jr. • 03:15
We still got to get out there. He's got to react to it in a real game setting with people in the building. But in terms of a guy, maybe that's flying under the radar a little bit. I mean, you say that for a guy who was a McDonald's All American, but I think he's going to have an impact on our team that maybe some people haven't anticipated.
Brian Boesch • 03:46
Costello's frame is college ready. In the practices I've seen, I think his shooting has been too. Now, there are no guarantees once November rolls around, but Costello has an excellent opportunity to make an impact and among new rotation players. So everyone but Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney. It's going to be a fascinating storyline to see who leads the way in shooting efficiency really from outside the paint and certainly from three. As you'll hear from Quinn in this conversation, he calls his shooting his sharpest tool in the shed.
Brian Boesch • 03:46
If that remains true throughout this freshman season for him, then I do believe Boynton's statement will come to fruition. He'll have an impact on this team and a big one as well. Let's visit with Brandon and then Quinn as we start our freshman profiles here on a two interview episode of Defend the Block.
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Jeff Laurence • 04:06
We're talking Michigan basketball. Welcome to Defend the Block, where we'll take you inside the basketball programs with interviews, analysis and so much more. Now here's your host, Brian Boesch.
Brian Boesch • 04:19
Continuing to get to know the new members of this Michigan men's basketball program. And to do that here on this episode, we're talking with the man who certainly introduced himself to Michigan fans most uniquely. And that's Brandon McCoy, junior Final Four. You're on the Fab Five telecast. Take me from there. What was it like?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 04:38
It meant everything to me. Committing to a college is such a big moment in anybody's life. And to do it the way I did it with the Fab Five committed to Michigan, like, I was just so grateful to be in that situation and I was so happy.
Brian Boesch • 04:51
Let's Go back to the beginning for you, just your parents, their influence as you were coming up through basketball and life. How did they impact you and get you to where you are now?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 05:03
So my. My parents didn't force sports on me. They let me pick between what sport I play. I tried Little League, all little league sports. So really what they impacted me on was just off the court, seeing how hard my parents work, how hard my dad goes every day for me, how hard my stepmom and my real mom go hard for me every day. They make sure they provide so much for the family. So seeing their off the court habits really channeled to me on the court, knowing how hard they work for me to be in this situation. So, yeah.
Brian Boesch • 05:31
As you've gotten older, have you seen whether it's your parents or other important figures in your life who have done things before you, have you picked up on tendencies, habits, stuff along those lines that now you see? Yeah, I know where I got that from.
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 05:44
Yeah. Honestly, I think the biggest part of me being here in this position today is like two things is like hard work and discipline. I think my parents did a good job, especially my dad, just making sure I worked hard and was doing like all my stuff, like discipline starts with like in class stuff, like making sure I'm doing my work, have good grades. I think a lot of off the court stuff I do translates to me on the court.
Brian Boesch • 06:06
What are your earliest basketball memories? You remember the first time you pick up a basketball?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 06:10
I don't remember my first time picking up a basketball. I remember my first, like, I guess technically, AAU game or club game, Alameda Vipers. I do remember that game. We actually got smacked. I was playing. I was playing up a year. But yeah, I do remember that game. Yeah.
Brian Boesch • 06:24
When did you realize that basketball could not only be a hobby necessary, it could be something that. That takes you until you get much older than this.
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 06:34
Honestly, since I was young, everybody has big dreams. And I think just seeing how fast I got good and was like separating myself from my peers. Like, I play. I played a Europe, like growing up most of my life, so seeing I was able to compete with older people and then eventually we like my team got to Nike Nationals, like nine U. And like seeing myself on those, like, fake rankings, I guess seeing up there, like, it was just like, I mean, before that, I knew I could take it somewhere. And then like, seeing my name getting recognized, like nationally was kind of crazy at such a young age. And then just year by year, just seeing the progression in myself, it just I feel like my dreams weren't too, too far away from me. I feel like just the path I was on, how hard I was working, how disciplined I was, just like, I feel like I thought everything I was dreaming of, like, I could achieve.
Brian Boesch • 07:19
I love how you put that fake rankings because ultimately we all know how this goes, right? You got to figure out what happens between the lines, stuff along that side of things. But did those lofty rankings give you confidence when you were at the top of the list and maybe motivation when you were dropped a little bit?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 07:35
I mean, yeah, at a young age, like, when. First time I was being ranked was nine. So like, in my head I thought
Brian Boesch • 07:40
It was like nine years old.
Quinn Costello • 07:41
Yeah.
Brian Boesch • 07:41
Are you serious?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 07:42
I was like in the third grade or something like that. Yeah.
Brian Boesch • 07:44
So who was ranking you?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 07:46
It was like coast to coast preps. I mean, they. I was pretty high up. They did a lot of rankings for, like, young kids. I think it was valid source. But yeah, just seeing my name so early was. It was kind of crazy. I was just like a, you know, a kid from Oakland.
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 08:00
Just. I don't know. It did motivate me for sure, though.
Brian Boesch • 08:04
What NBA players, as an Oakland guy, Golden State fan, what NBA players did you watch a lot? Are there guys even now that you. I don't want to say model your game after, but try to take things based on your frame, skill set, et cetera.
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 08:15
So early on, I remember watching a lot of lebron. Yeah. Lot of LeBron jersey. It was my first jersey, I think Miami, Stephen Curry, obviously Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant. I feel like I watched so many, like, growing up. I just. All the good NBA players I was watching, like, I didn't. It wasn't like one I had in particular. I mean, probably Katie. I was. I was tall when I was younger, so I thought I was gonna be Katie, and I realized I wasn't gonna be seven foot, but definitely KD. Like, when I was younger, it was like somebody I watched a lot.
Brian Boesch • 08:43
So obviously you. You're at the top or near the top of so many rankings. Then you go play for Team USA and obviously you were a valuable contributor on three gold medal teams. But. But I remember hearing Dusty talk so much about the importance of that experience because you have to sacrifice. Everybody's good. What did you learn from representing Team USA and being around guys who were similarly high up on those fake rankings?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 09:07
Honestly, I think I learned a lot from USA. I feel like it's changed my life having a gold medal at the age of. I think it Was fifteen. Having my first gold medal meant everything to me. But you learn how to play with other good players. You learn how to sacrifice minutes, shots. And also, like those three years straight like that, that took up half my summer. Like there was nowhere else I wanted to be. But like, in reality, like, I'm still a fifteen, sixteen, seventy year old kid. Like my summer was in Colorado Springs, like, working as hard as I can to make a team. So I think it builds a lot of character and it's helped me to get to the point I'm at today.
Brian Boesch • 09:40
So you're here in Ann Arbor, you've been working. We're recording this before the team goes out to Lithuania and Croatia. But obviously a unique speed bump with Dusty May's departure. So what was that ensuing day, the ensuing week, couple of weeks like after Dusty left and all that that transcended from there happened?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 10:02
I think the. It was just kind of a lot of uncertainty, I think within the community. It was like a shock. Like, it was a shock. I don't want to, like, yeah, it was a shock. Just, we were just, just taking it day by day. Like, everybody was just trying to figure out, like, our lives and this is our careers and we had a big shift. So I think everybody's trying to figure out. But I think, I think Coach Boynton and the rest of the staff has done a good job of keeping everything under control and instilling, like, that they're still here for us. Like with the departure of Dusty and everything. I think everything turned out good. We kept a lot of players, so everything turned out good.
Brian Boesch • 10:39
Tell me about your relationship with Coach Boynton and why he's tried to downplay the impact. It's, it's a collective. Everybody helped retain pretty much the entire roster. But for your individual relationship with Mike, how strong is it and what has he helped you with already?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 10:54
Yeah, I think it's gotten really strong since, honestly, the day Dusty left, when Coach Mike pulled me into his office and had a quick meeting after he found out he was going to be the coach. I think we had like a real conversation. Obviously he talked to my parents as well. But between me and Mike, like, he's. He's been really helpful. Like, I feel like I'm starting to build, like, a lot of trust with him. I hope he's feeling the same way with me. He's been helping me stuff like on the court of court. He just has high character. See him in the weight room almost every single day, getting his work in. As long as pushing us on too. So I think his high character off the court, like, instills trust on the court as well. And I feel like he's proven like he knows what he's talking about in the space of basketball and I just can't wait, like, I can't wait to like, keep building this relationship with him.
Brian Boesch • 11:39
Something he said about you that certainly caught my eyes and I think fans, media members, all that was that he said you are the best rebounder in the program other than Morez. I know a guy you played with with Team USA a little while back. When you hear that, A, do you agree about your rebounding, that it is top shelf, and B, what does it mean that your coach has that type of confidence in you in. In a spot that there are other guys, size wise, who you would expect to be better rebounders?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 12:08
Yeah, I think I don't want to take away from our bigs because I think they're also fantastic rebounders. But yeah, I would like to say I'm a good rebounder. I think sometimes it comes so naturally. Like, the rebounds, I don't even think about, like, being that. Just like, I feel like I have like a knack for a ball. For the ball. So, yeah, I mean, I won't. I say, I agree. I guess I feel like I'm pretty good at rebounding.
Brian Boesch • 12:28
We're with Brandon McCoy junior Here on defend the block. Defensively, the tape, super impressive. Just tell fans about your defensive game and why you think it's gotten to this point to potentially be a really big part of your game as a freshman.
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 12:42
Honestly, I think from playing up a year growing up, if I didn't play defense and play the right way, I wasn't gonna get minutes. So it kind of came naturally just to defense. And who wants to get scored on? I feel like that's more the mentality. Defense, you do have to have techniques for some certain things, but it's more just like, yeah, just don't get scored. Like you don't want to get scored. Like, the point of playing defense does not get scored on. So kind of having that mentality along with like little techniques and skills, like all that combined. I think I put that into my games where, like, I'm not trying to get scored on. Like, nobody wants to get scored on.
Brian Boesch • 13:16
So your. Your dunk highlight reel is really impressive. Would you rather have one of those or would you rather stop a dunk or make a high profile defensive stand?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 13:27
Oh, that's a hard question. I think whatever the team needs, honestly.
Brian Boesch • 13:29
Okay, very nice. I'M I'm asking you this. You know, we won't talk about the team, but. No, Which. Which would you say? Either one locks down a win. What would you rather do?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 13:41
Low key?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 13:42
I mean, a dunk would be fire, sure. But then again, like, it stopped. Like, I really just, like, gotta stop on somebody. Maybe a poster dunk. Like a one. Okay. Yeah.
Brian Boesch • 13:51
Do you have a favorite dunk that you've had so far in your career?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 13:56
I don't even think so. Like a. Like a blur, honestly.
Brian Boesch • 14:01
Okay.
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 14:02
Yeah. I don't know.
Brian Boesch • 14:03
All good. Where is your offensive game? What are the strengths right now you feel good about and some of the areas of improvement?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 14:08
Honestly, like, I'm really impressed with how my offensive game is, like, developing right now. I think this coaching staff is doing an amazing job pulling me in for film and skill work. Just being, like, all around offensively, like, being able to play one through three. I think versatility is something I really harp on. And like, being here for the past month or two, how long, I mean, goes quick. Yeah, it goes going by really fast. But I feel like I'm becoming, like, all offensively, like, trying to have no holes in my game.
Brian Boesch • 14:35
It's been interesting seeing Trey McKenney's growth. You just a couple of months in, are very outgoing. Trey was not at this time. And now that probably surprises you a little bit because of just how much he has been able to find his voice. Where. Where have you learned from Trey? A guy who is from the area. He waited his turn, then had probably the biggest shot, maybe the biggest shot in Michigan basketball history.
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 14:58
Yeah. I've known Trey for a couple years now. I played against him once maybe, and I've played against him at camps a couple times. So I know Trey was, like, kind of quiet, but always like a super cool, chill guy like, when you talk to him and just. I'm learning a lot from him. Like, I'm next to him in the locker room, so just stay by that. Give him, like, little tips. And just seeing how hard he works and how much he's in the gym and I'm taking note, like, men to know everything he does because, I mean, he's. He proved himself last year, I feel like, and he's going to prove himself again this year.
Brian Boesch • 15:26
Speaking of someone who proved himself, Elliot Cadeau, most outstanding player in the Final Four. How much does he help you and others with his passing ability?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 15:34
Man, he makes life so much easier when he's on your team. He just, like, has like a. I don't know. What it is about, like, he's just so smart when he plays and knows what he's doing. I feel like he's just, like, a natural winner. And I think just watching him from afar, like, when we play fives, just trying to see, like, all the little stuff he does because he's so skilled and so smart, just trying to take note of that and also, like, his leadership. I feel like he's a loud voice within our program, so just trying to take notes of, like, everything from everybody.
Brian Boesch • 16:02
Again, very impressed with how you carry yourself, how much you talk as a freshman. Do you feel like a leadership role is available for you in this program?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 16:11
I feel like a leadership role is available for anybody in the program. I don't think I'm, like, super shy or anything. Like, I feel like I voice or. Yeah, I voice my opinion, so. And of course, I want to be a leader. I feel like I have, like, leader blood, like, in me. So day by day, I think I'm taking that step. But, like, instead of just only leading by, like, voice, like, I'm trying to lead by example. Like winning, conditioning drills, things like that. Going hard in the weight room. So I'm trying to lead by example. And my voice nickname.
Brian Boesch • 16:40
Beezy.
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 16:41
Yeah, Bey.
Brian Boesch • 16:41
Where'd that come from?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 16:42
How did it. I just feel like I've been called that, like, my entire life, but my family.
Brian Boesch • 16:45
Do you like it?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 16:46
Yeah. Yeah, I love going by busy. Yeah, I love it.
Brian Boesch • 16:49
Lastly, when you're not hooping or watching basketball, what do you like to do?
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 16:54
I like to eat. I love food, sleep, love a good nap. Recently, I've been playing a lot of Fortnite. Okay. I'm actually. Yeah, I think I'm pretty good at Fortnite video games, so I like to, like, get dressed and then, I don't know, like, watch. I like to watch movies, like Marvel movies. I like good TV shows. And, yeah, if I'm in, like, a talking, I like talking about, like, random subjects. Okay.
Brian Boesch • 17:20
All right, fair enough. Favorite food spot you've experienced so far in Ann Arbor.
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 17:24
It's a top. Actually, it was a tie. If you'd asked me this, like, a month ago, but Fueled and Frida's.
Brian Boesch • 17:30
Okay.
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 17:30
Yeah, those two. I've had field more. I think it's, like, what type of food it is, but I think Frita's is also fire.
Brian Boesch • 17:36
Okay. Very good.
Brian Boesch • 17:38
Brandon, we appreciate you stopping by, my man. Looking forward to seeing you continue to. To grow in this program, and thanks for making time for us.
Brandon McCoy Jr. • 17:44
Appreciate you. Thank you for having me.
Brian Boesch • 17:46
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Brian Boesch • 18:46
Great to have Quinn Costello here on Defend the Block. I want to start with the fact that you were committed to this program before the national championship season started back in September of twenty twenty five, way back then. What made you select Michigan?
Quinn Costello • 19:00
It was really just my relationship with the coaching staff. Like I know obviously Dusty played a big part in the reason I committed here. But yeah, no, I feel like I really bonded with them. Made like a, like an unbreakable relationship. Church was my main recruiter so I got to talk to him a ton. All the other coaches were super welcoming. When I came here on my visit it really felt like home. So that was the main reason I committed.
Brian Boesch • 19:24
So what was it like then? You're committed to a place that goes on and wins thirty seven games, wins the national championship. I'm sure you were following it in a lot of ways like a fan, weren't you?
Quinn Costello • 19:33
Yeah, no, I watched most of the games. I watched on my living room couch with my father. But yeah, no, it was a, it was surreal to see. I know obviously it was a little bit unexpected for year two of Dusty, but you know, I think everything that came with it, it was an awesome experience. It made me even more excited. Every time I watched a game. I got more and more excited to come play here.
Brian Boesch • 19:54
And you came to a few games as well, if I recall correctly. What was your favorite moment from last season? Following along?
Quinn Costello • 20:02
I probably, I went to the exhibition game at Madison Square Garden versus Saint John's last year. It's actually where I met my roommate, Joe Hartman. He came with, he was there too. But I wouldn't say I have like a favorite moment but just like seeing like the physicality, like that was the first time I've seen like Big Ten basketball in person. Like I've never really seen it up close like that. So that was kind of a, almost a wake up call. But you know, I really enjoy watching that and like it motivated me to, you know, get in the gym.
Brian Boesch • 20:28
So you mentioned Dusty obviously played an important role, but he leaves just a little while ago now. What were the days and weeks like after that as this program was trying to figure out what was next?
Quinn Costello • 20:42
I mean, obviously it was a little unclear. Like my first instinct was like, I don't want to go anywhere. Like this is the, this is the place for me. And like I'm not going to let one person's departure decide that. Even. Even though he did play a big role. But you know, like he, like the first thing he told us was once he's gone, like he'll, we'll all see how unimportant his he was, which actually came straight from his mouth. So. But now with the coach, with Coach Boy in here, with all the other coaches that stayed, all the new coaches we brought in, like just watching games last year, like we're playing with a super, super similar system and like not much is, not much is going to change.
Brian Boesch • 21:17
Coach Boynton told me about a month after that that the players, you guys have probably handled it maybe better than anybody. What was it about this group of individuals and coming together so early got you guys through that as teammates, as players?
Quinn Costello • 21:34
I mean I think our senior leaders, junior leaders, they played a big part of it. Like Harrison Hochberg made it a big point for us, like go out on a few like team excursions, make sure everyone was close together and like kind of like, like I said, like we, I kind of believed it that not much was going to change. Like Michigan is still Michigan and like this is the place I wanted to be. So that played a big, a big role in why, why I wanted to stay here.
Brian Boesch • 22:00
Also in that conversation with Coach Boynton, he said that he thinks you have grown since you've gotten here. Can you confirm or deny that? Have you grown since arriving on campus?
Quinn Costello • 22:11
I'm not sure, honestly. I measured like six, ten and a half I think when I, when I first got here and I think a big part of maybe why I look a little bigger, just this, the weight room. Coach Matt Aldred. We've been, we've been going to work for the past seven, eight weeks, I think so I think just like my build is like my shoulders have gotten broader and like my arms getting bigger. So I think that's probably a, plays a role on why I look A little bigger. But Coach Boynton likes to joke whenever I have a shirt on, he's like, oh, look, Quinn has a shirt on. Because, I don't know, I usually. I do have my shirt off a good amount, so I like to do that, just, like, kind of see my progress, compare myself from yesterday to the next day.
Brian Boesch • 22:53
Well, thank you for wearing a shirt here for the interview. That's appreciated. Coach also said that you pick up things quickly. Is that something you've always kind of had? And to what would you attribute that?
Quinn Costello • 23:05
Yeah, I would say, like, a lot of people classify me as, like, a player with a high basketball iq. I think part of that has come from my high school experience at the Newman School with Coach Jackson Johnson. He was like, we played a very, like, a very complex, like, college, like, system. So I was introduced to that at an early age, my sophomore year, high school. So I've just had a ton of experience in it. And, like, I've been pushed hard my whole life, especially those three high school years. So it's not really anything new to me. So I think that's probably the reason.
Brian Boesch • 23:36
So we're recording this before the team takes its trip out to Lithuania and Croatia. So that'll be a really interesting data point for you guys. But for you, where maybe has been the most challenging transition from high school to college as you've tried to get acclimated here in Ann Arbor?
Quinn Costello • 23:53
The transition was actually easier than I thought just because, like, everything in this facility is. Everything's so convenient so close by. Because, like, in high school, I had to, you know, take a train to lift and then take a bus to practice and all that. So having all this close by is awesome for me. But I think the hardest transition for me has been just all, like, the spacing and concepts that we've had. Like, it's all new to me just because, like, my high school system, it was a college system, but we were a little different. Like, we set a ton of flare screens, all that, and here they're big on, like, staying spaced, like, cutting if need be, but, like, like, the most. Most of the time, like, they want me to stay space and, like, get ready to shoot the ball. So the first couple weeks, I was struggling a little bit, but the last couple weeks, I've really been picking up well, and I've been in the gym with Coach Church, coach, Coach Murphy a lot.
Quinn Costello • 24:43
So I've been. I've been picking up on all that, and I've been getting a lot better at it.
Brian Boesch • 24:47
You're shooting how long have you had the shot you've had and the success with it? Obviously in basketball now, it doesn't matter position you play, you're going to be expected to shoot in some way, shape or form. Where is the development of your shot at?
Quinn Costello • 25:01
I mean, obviously it's the, I would call it the number one strength of my game. Like, it's my, it's my sharpest tool in the shed. So obviously I work on it every day. I try to be, you know, one of the hardest workers on the team, get the most shots up. But you know, I use it like, like I said, I've always been a shooter. Like, I can't, like, I can't even count the amount of rebounds that my dad has gotten from me in a back gym at Harvard. Um, so like, since a kid, like, I've always had a pretty slim build and like, I have buffed up a little bit while, while I've been here. But you know, it's always been like my go to thing because back then I wasn't even like able to like kind of put the ball on the floor like into the paint. So obviously I've got a lot better at that. But it's always just been like my number one strength and like, it's what I want to continue to improve on.
Brian Boesch • 25:47
So what does a day of shooting practice look like? How many shots do you take? How many different spots on the floor? How would you break down if you're going in and working with your dad at a gym back home? What does that look like?
Quinn Costello • 25:58
It looked a little different back home than it does here now, just because how, like, how convenient close by. Everything is like I said. But you know, back home I would, I would wake up in the morning, go get some shots of my dad. It was like twenty makes from seven spots and did a little like stuff on the move or whatever. But here it's, I get to come, come here in the morning. If like, say on a day we didn't have practice, I'll come here in the morning, get some shots up with the managers or coach. They put me some, through some drills and then I'd be able to go home, get, get, get a meal in or whatever and then come back later that night and like shoot by myself on the gun or call a manager or coach or ever and get in again. So like I said, it's been a lot easier here to like, you know, put in extra work.
Brian Boesch • 26:40
Quinn Costello with us here on Defend the Block. If shooting is the sharpest tool in your Toolkit right now. What are the dullest, what are the things want to improve upon the most between now and say, the start of the year?
Quinn Costello • 26:54
I like to say the, the one thing I think I need to like really improve on is like, I'm not, I'm not bad at it, but rebounding, like I, I found myself, like I said, I'm spaced out on the perimeter a lot and so I, I think I need to get better at like when a shot goes up, kind of reading the ball off the rim and going, going to get. Going to get it. Like I found myself ball watching a little bit too much. So that could be one way I could really impact winning and help the team with some success.
Brian Boesch • 27:21
What has it been like with this group? And we'll start with some of the leaders. You reference off the top guys like Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney who have played integral roles on a national championship team. How did those two guys in particular make your life, make your teammates' lives easier when you're out there on the floor with them?
Quinn Costello • 27:37
I mean, obviously we can start with Elliot. Obviously he's going to. If you're open and you can make shots, like he's going to find you no matter what. So I've gotten to, you know, be on the first. I got the firsthand experience with that so far this summer. So it's been great playing with him. You know, he's always finding me and it's, he's making the game super easy for me. And then obviously Trey, he's a great leader, great scorer. Same thing with him. Like, he's, he'll get you open. He'll find, he'll like, he'll find ways for you to impact the game, impact winning. And then like even today after practice, like Elliot Trae, Oscar. Oscar usually. But all those guys are kind of like the leaders. They have super important stuff to say after every practice and you really just got to listen to them and buy into what they're saying.
Brian Boesch • 28:24
Brandon McCoy junior Somebody who you've been overlapped with here and there, including both as McDonald's all Americans on the same team. When did you first meet Brandon?
Quinn Costello • 28:34
I met Brandon first at the McDonald's All American game.
Brian Boesch • 28:37
OK. And that was before he had committed to Michigan, correct?
Quinn Costello • 28:40
Yes. Yes.
Brian Boesch • 28:41
Did he give you an indication that he was coming when he announced during the Final Four? Did you know?
Quinn Costello • 28:46
I did not know. So I actually kind of, I kind of turned on my recruiting pitch a little bit while we were at McDonald's and asked him, like, what's going on. Like, I know. I know you're considering Michigan. Like, what's going on? He didn't give me much, but we kind of just laughed about it. But it was great to see.
Brian Boesch • 29:01
So you were the difference?
Quinn Costello • 29:03
You could say that.
Brian Boesch • 29:05
Yeah. We can hype you up a little bit more there. What. What have the. The past interactions with him done to help you guys kind of acclimate together on the floor? Because with you guys out there, there's some unique length, wingspan for a couple of freshmen.
Quinn Costello • 29:18
Yeah. You know, when I first met him, we didn't, like, that was kind of, like, we didn't really click as much as we did when we first got here. Like, when we first met here. I mean, obviously he had all his friends from California there, all those other McDonald's guys. Um, but once we got here, we all the. Not even me and Brandon, all the freshmen, we clicked almost, like, instantly. Like, it was. I was kind of surprised to see how fast we all clicked, both on, on the court and off the court. Like, we were always wanting to get in the gym, push each other to get better. Like, if one guy was going to go in the gym, everyone else was, too, so that's been great. And, like, not even. Not even just the freshman, but everyone, like, already, I think it's the seventh or eighth week. I think the whole team is growing super close together already, so I'm excited for what's next.
Brian Boesch • 30:04
So it's not next, but it's coming up. You're going to go back near your hometown and play in Boston national championship game rematch against UConn. Have you allowed yourself to think about what that will be like?
Quinn Costello • 30:18
I haven't thought about it much. Like, I've had. I've had some people from back home reach out to me, like, asking for tickets and all that, but I'm really just focused on, like, taking it day by day, you know, trying to impact winning, and practice every day, getting ready for Lithuania and Croatia, which is going to be a fun trip. But, I mean, obviously it's in the back of my head, like, it's going to be a great opportunity to, like, see a ton of people back home that I haven't seen in months. And, yeah, that should be super fun.
Brian Boesch • 30:44
Your parents both went to Boston College? They both rowed, correct?
Quinn Costello • 30:48
Yep.
Brian Boesch • 30:48
Did you ever consider or try rowing at a, at a competitive level?
Quinn Costello • 30:52
No. My dad definitely got me on the rowing machine a couple times, but he likes to say, like, the best rowers are the. Are just the. Like, you don't need you don't need any talent, just the people who can endure pain the most. So I guess, I guess they were both pretty good at that. But you know, basketball, I'm over basketball type of guy.
Brian Boesch • 31:11
Yeah, I understand that. How did they help you become a, an athlete and try basketball? Did you play on any other sports?
Quinn Costello • 31:19
I played a couple sports when I was younger, but I, I picked up a basketball and kind of caught it. Caught on pretty quick. Like, I don't think they didn't really need to push me or anything like that. Like I loved it since the day I started. I was always like a little bit taller and bigger than kids around me. So obviously there's that aspect to it.
Brian Boesch • 31:38
Like, would the height have impacted you negatively for rowing? Believe it or not, I'm not a rower.
Quinn Costello • 31:43
I don't even know. Honestly, I don't know if. Well, I think heights. Height's good for rowing, right?
Brian Boesch • 31:47
Is it? I'm not, I'm sorry, I'm not a rowing expert.
Quinn Costello • 31:50
Me either.
Brian Boesch • 31:51
Well, ask Coach Rothstein here on campus. But how did they help you work ethic wise? What it takes beyond just being able to put the basket in the hoop or prevent somebody from doing that.
Quinn Costello • 32:02
I think my dad was the biggest part of that. No shade to my mom, but I think my dad just like I said, the countless rebounds, the countless hours he sacrificed where he would take a work call on his phone like while he was rebounding for me rather than being there in person. And then, and then there was also as much as I didn't really like it much in the moment, but it really helped me was like the car rides home from tough games or whatever. He'd, he'd give the dad lecture of the thirty minutes of stuff I didn't want to listen to at the time. But looking back at it, I'm thankful for it all and I think it really helped me.
Brian Boesch • 32:35
Is there a, a certain bit of advice that has stuck with you longest from your dad or your mom?
Quinn Costello • 32:41
I think my dad is. My dad's kind of centered his life around helping other people. And I think a way to like that translates to the basketball court is like, I'm not out there for myself. Like I'm out here to help my team win and make my teammates better. So whatever I can do to make that happen is what I try to
Brian Boesch • 33:00
do before I let you go. Impressions of Ann Arbor. Any place you've enjoyed checking out so far since you've gotten here?
Quinn Costello • 33:06
I actually, surprisingly, I'm not, I'm not great with directions. But surprisingly I've kind of gone to know Ann Arbor pretty quickly. Like I kind of know the ins and outs of it or a little
Brian Boesch • 33:16
more slower paced over the summer, especially
Quinn Costello • 33:18
from where you're from. Yeah, no, but I would say my number one spot I've enjoyed going to so far is it's a popular one, but Frita Batidos is a pretty good food spot. I like to, I like to get some grub there.
Brian Boesch • 33:31
There you go. Very good. Well Quinn, we appreciate you stopping by. Continued success here this offseason and look forward to seeing you in Boston and in other places throughout the course of the season.
Quinn Costello • 33:40
Yes sir. Appreciate it.
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Brian Boesch • 33:49
Thanks to Quinn. And then before that Brandon, as mentioned, check out the Michigan Athletics YouTube channel. Our in the Trenches streams every Tuesday during the season noon start. How those work. We'll have the seven from seventy seven and then some extra content, some answering of questions and comments from the live chat. So you want to catch both the video on Tuesday and then the audio which comes out on Wednesday because Wednesday's audio editions have the interview or interviews from the football building, Schembechler Hall. So excited about that. And as mentioned, we are going to continue to add more video content. Looking forward to doing more live streams once the basketball season starts on the YouTube channel. So any thoughts, additions, hopes you have for the upcoming seasons for both football and basketball. Open to that.
Brian Boesch • 34:40
Trying to bring you as much information, as much Michigan content as possible and it really does help us a great deal if you subscribe, if you like, if you comment, if you rate review, whether it's YouTube in terms of commenting or on the podcast feed in terms of rating and reviewing. It does allow us to spread our message and to get more out there for you as we get into a busy time of year. So thanks again to Brandon, thanks again to Quinn. Thanks to all of you. Excited to delve into more of what we have already seen out in Lithuania. As we continue next week, we'll have one more conversation that was recorded from the men's side before the trip. That's Malachi Brown. Excited to share that with you. Maybe a diamond in the rough type of a prospect for Michigan coming in as a freshman. We'll also talk some Michigan women's basketball. A three year graduate of Stanford, now a grad transfer here at the University of Michigan.
Brian Boesch • 35:41
That's Courtney Ogden. Really impressive player, all ACC type performer who is making her way to Ann Arbor to add to what is already a high level roster. So Malachi Smith and Courtney Ogden for you next week will be into September by then. Thanks for listening and Go Blue.
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Jeff Laurence • 35:59
Thanks for listening to today's edition of Defend the Block, part of our Michigan Athletics Podcast Network, M GO Blue Podcasts. The preceding has been a Learfield presentation of the Michigan Sports Network.
