Oct. 14, 2004

USC, in Canada for a five-day in-season foreign tour, will play Carolton University this evening. USCSPORTS.COM visited with Rocky Trice (RT) and Tre’ Kelley (TK) after practice today to get their impressions of the early practices, Canada and what they expect to accomplish.

USC: Have either of you ever been to Canada? If so, where?

RT: No I haven’t been – this is my first time. I have never been outside the USA.

TK: No I have never been to Canada. The only foreign country I have been to is the Dominican Republic this summer.

USC: What excites you most about the foreign tour?

RT: It gives everyone a chance to play three games early. I have enjoyed the trip so far.

TK: We get to play some games early and get a feel for our team. It is an excellent experience to go to another foreign country to play basketball.

USC: Who has impressed you the most in the early practices?

RT: The way we get up and down the court. We are quick and very fast.

TK: Our transition ability on the open floor. We have so many guys that can finish plays and make plays as well.

USC: This afternoon you went to Canada’s Parliament. Anything you care to tell Gamecock fans about Canada?

RT: The history in the Parliament building was very impressive. The building was very big and it is old. There were a lot of nice paintings. Paulius (Joneliunas) took a lot of photos of everything too.

TK: The site-seeing so far is gorgeous. Ottawa is a really pretty city. The Parliament – it was pretty inside and outside. Inside the Parliament, the photos, the paintings were very different. I really enjoyed just seeing all the different paintings on the walls as we walked through the hallways. It was very impressive.

USC: What should Gamecocks fans expect from USC this year?
RT: The defense will be improved because we are all quick so will get after the ball faster. Everyone is in good shape and will push the ball down the court faster.

TK: We played great defense last year, but from this year to last year the way we get up the floor is much better. Our transition game should be really good. Our shooting should be better as well. I learned last year to just to play hard and work hard at everything you do and I am trying to make sure I practice that everyday.