Beard: It has prepared me in ever aspect – not just on the court but off the court also. Just the person I’ve become since I’ve been at Duke. And on the court, it’s in every aspect. They play me at every position, so I have a great feel for the game and I know what the five is thinking when I’m playing the one, what the four is thinking when I’m playing the two. So, I think that has definitely helped a lot.

Q: Are you rejuvenated and ready to get back on the court?

Beard: I’m rejuvenated. I have to be. I had only a day after the Minnesota loss [in the NCAA Tournament] to just sit back and drown myself in my sorrows. And the next day I had to get started with everything – picking an agent and doing all this crazy stuff. I’ve been traveling for the past three weeks and it’s been hectic, but I’ve been loving it. I haven’t had time to think about anything and I’m starting a new chapter of my life and I’m ready.