Technician: There has only been one coach ever for this team, Kay Yow, and she was one of the most recognizable figures in N.C. State history. You have some pretty impressive shoes to fill. What is your vision for your team?

Harper: For our kids, it’s important that we set some pretty lofty goals. I think they came in here with the hopes of making it back to the Final Four. We want to get back into the NCAA tournament, play with consistency and have national prominence.

Technician: You come from an impressive lineage at University of Tennessee. How did playing for coach Pat Summitt impact you?

Harper: Coach Summitt is an incredible coach and person and she has been very beneficial in my career. She’s someone I can call and bounce ideas off of. One thing I wanted to do that she has accomplished at Tennessee is running a classy program. We want to do things the right way. I try to be poised like she is in big game situations. The last thing the team needs in the last minutes of a basketball game is a panicked coach. They need to feel confident and calm and hopefully they are getting that from me.

Technician: What were your first impressions of N.C. State when you came to campus?

Harper: The fans are very passionate about their teams and I love that passion. Hopefully that will turn into support for our team when we step out on the court. I’ve been impressed with the academic standards and I think that’s just another selling point to our recruits.

Technician: When you arrived in Raleigh on day one, you began recruiting for future seasons. Kay Yow attracted players to a family atmosphere. How do you plan to bring in your recruits?

Harper: I think [the attraction] is the possibility of something great. The program is still very family-oriented. The players are in my office all the time. We’re going to work really, really hard and still have fun, and the kids love that. If we can get a recruit to campus, we can sell them.

Technician: In a time of transition, how are you building relationships with the players?

Harper: They knew when I came here that I was sincere and would do anything in the world for them. They would come by the office quite frequently and still do. I have them over to the house for dinner. Spending so much time with them off of the court has been great. We have good relationships already and it shows on the court. I love going to practice every day and I think that makes a difference. We have a good time, tease each other and cut up. I love life, we’re going to do our thing and step on the court and it’s all business and we’re going to get something done.

Technician: Speaking of relationships, when talking to someone like Nikitta Gartrell, who has been here for three years and is further along in her development as opposed to a younger player like Bonae Holston, is that situation approached any different?

Harper: These girls have been through so much and I can’t imagine the strength that they have. From day one, they have been open to our staff. Nikitta has been in my office more than anybody. A senior that has been set in her ways may be harder to build a relationship with, but she’s made the effort to get that done and I think I know her as well as anyone on the team.

Technician: In terms of individual players, how has anyone’s role changed or developed thus far?

Harper: We have several players who will have very different roles this year. That has a lot to do with losing Shayla Fields, who led in scoring. We’re not going to replace that with one player; it will take several to step up and get the job done. I think you will see us rely more on team play to score and that’s fine. We can utilize different weapons and attacks offensively. The girls have stepped up and are ready for that challenge.