Oct. 10, 2006

USCSPORTS.com will feature each of the Gamecock Basketball players throughout the pre-season with it’s own version of HOOP DREAMS.

With the college basketball season set to tip-off with practice the next day, the South Carolina men’s and women’s basketball teams will host HARDWOOD HOOPLA 2006 as part of Spend an Evening with the Gamecocks on Fri., Oct. 13 in the USC Basketball Practice Facility/Volleyball Competition Facility (see uscsports.com for more details).

Today USCsports.com talks to Tre’ Kelley – the team’s returning leading scorer with 12.5 ppg. Kelley led the SEC in assists with 4.6 apg. A native of Washington, D.C., Kelley set the school record last season for minutes played in a single season (1330), games started in a single season (38) and tied with three others in games played in a season (38). His team goals this season – that’s easy – play in the NCAA Tournament for the second time in his career after helping the Gamecocks win two straight NIT titles. His individual goals this season are to lead the SEC in assists for the second straight year and be named first-team All-SEC.

USC: Which game are you looking forward to the most this season?

TK: The first round of the NCAA Tournament (smiles).

USC: Who do you think is the most promising newcomer this year?

TK: All of the new guys are promising; we just have to come together in practice and before the first game to get them some practice on the floor.

USC: After a game, who is the first person you call?

TK: Normally it’s one of two people: Deonate Taylor or Curtis Chambers and if I don’t call them, they usually call me.

What is the one thing that most people wouldn’t know about you?

TK: I come off as kind of quiet, but when I get around my friends I can be really humorous and outgoing.

What is the best thing about playing for USC?

TK: Playing for Coach Odom. He’s one of the icons in NCAA basketball. He’s done a lot since he’s been coaching and will do a lot more in however long he’s coaching. This year we’re all just trying to get him to the NCAA’s and get him a national championship.

Who is one of your favorite musician or artist?

TK: Notorious BIG

What is your best memory as a Gamecock?

TK: It would have to be winning the second NIT Championship.

What is one thing you couldn’t live without?

TK: Basketball

USC: What would you would like to teach kids who look up to you? What advice would you give them?

TK: I want to teach kids where I grew up that you can’t think you don’t have a life because you come from a place like that. You don’t have to do the things that people expect you to do because you are from a bad neighborhood. Just because there is a stereotype out where you are from, you can do positive things to overcome it.

USC: Do you have a funny memory about being a Gamecock ?

TK: Mike Boynton left his jersey in the lockerroom at Arkansas my freshman year. He always waited to take his jacket off until after the starters were announced and when he did he realized he didn’t have it on. Coach Odom stalled a bit while someone ran to the lockerroom to get it so he could start the game.