Oct. 16, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina freshman forward Reggie Theus Jr., sat down with GamecocksOnline.com recently for our web series in conjunction with Spurs and Feathers, “Starting Five With Reggie Theus Jr.” The series will highlight a different member of the Gamecock men’s basketball team with each edition. A native of Los Angeles, Calif., Theus Jr., hails from a long line of basketball in his family. The freshman forward talked about his creativity on the court and also when producing music, and what he is looking forward to for his rookie season with the Garnet and Black.

Q: You join the South Carolina men’s basketball program from the prep ranks in Los Angeles. What is it that interested you the most about coming all the way across the nation to join the Gamecocks?
A: For the experience. It is definitely a long way, but I haven’t regretted a second about coming to South Carolina. Everyone is great. It’s nice to be in such a different place, a place I’ve never been, and to have the opportunity to play for a coach like Coach Martin. To meet the staff at such a high level you learn a lot. I’m really happy with the experience and the learning I have done being at South Carolina.

Q: You have been described as a slasher who can play the shooting guard and small forward positions. How do you see your game?
A: I see my game like that, as a slasher and able to play those positions. Playing in college definitely won’t be the same as high school. It will be a lot harder getting to the basket, and I have always worked on my spot-up shooting, and I really plan on bringing that to our team.

Q: Who do you model your game after the most?
A: I really like Ray Allen. Also Lebron James and Rudy Gay. I really like the way they play. Ray Allen especially because of how he gets to open spots, and how he moves with and without the ball.

Q: What aspect of your game are you working on the most as you prepare for your freshman season to get underway?
A: Shooting, and listening and keeping a positive attitude to get better in all aspects of the game. I’ve definitely been working on spot shooting and one-dribble pull-ups, because those are aspects I want to bring to the team.

Q: You have noted that you love listening to and producing hip-hop music. Do you feel that you are just as creative on the court?
A: I do feel that I’m creative on the court too. Both (music and basketball) are all about listening, learning and getting better. Different types of music and lyrics, you learn a lot about the artist, the different type of music the artist is making, and it is the same way with coaches. With the different types of coaches and types of players you are around, you learn different ways to play and listen.

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.