Oct. 7, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina freshman guard Justin McKie sat down with GamecocksOnline.com recently for our web series in conjunction with Spurs and Feathers, “Starting Five With Justin McKie.” The series will highlight a different member of the Gamecock men’s basketball team with each edition. A native of Irmo, McKie led his high school squad to a state championship just last spring with a 20-point, 10-rebound effort in a victory at Colonial Life Arena. The son of Gamecock great BJ McKie,Q: You were named the Gatorade South Carolina Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year and South Carolina Mr. Basketball last year. Why did you decide to attend the University of South Carolina?
A: I’ve always been a Gamecock fan, and this program has meant a lot to my family and me when I was growing up. Plus, I have a little brother and sister, who I want to be able to watch grow up and be around for them when they grow up. Also, I really feel that Coach Martin believes in me as a player, and I like him as a coach and as a person.

Q: When you decided to come to South Carolina you noted that the atmosphere at a Gamecock football game really showed you what the future could be like for Gamecock basketball. What would it mean to you to have Colonial Life Arena packed night in and night out?
A: The fans mean a lot. Without them, the games wouldn’t be as intense as they are. You see fans at football and see how dedicated and passionate our fans are. As we keep growing as a program and under Coach Martin, I think we’ll have Colonial Life Arena just like Williams-Brice Stadium.

Q: A coach of another high school program in the state of South Carolina noted that you are “one of those kids who’s actually fun to coach against because he plays the game the right way.” He also said you have a competitive fire that you don’t see every day. High praise obviously, but how do you see your game, or what sets you apart?
A: I love to win. No matter how that has to come – whether that is me scoring, rebounding, playing defense, whether it’s me sitting on the bench cheering for my teammates, I just love to win. That is probably the biggest part of my game, more than anything just my passion and fire for the game.

Q: Who do you model your game after the most?
A: I don’t really model it after any one particular. I like Kobe (Bryant), but I’m 6’4″ and he is 6’6″, so it is hard to model my game after someone who is 6’6″. I just try and be the best player that I can be.

Q: What aspect of your game are you working on the most as you prepare for your freshman season to get underway?
A: I have to get a lot stronger. My ball handling is good, but also needs to get a lot better for me to be the player that I want to be.

Continue to visit GamecocksOnline.com for more of the web series “Starting Five,” throughout the preseason. For season ticket information, including the new reduced lower level prices, fans should visit www.GamecocksOnline.com/Tickets, or call 1-800-4SC-FANS.