Nov. 18, 2006

USC returns home on Sunday after posting a 1-1 record in California and is 2-1 on the season. USC will host Lipscomb at 3 pm in the Colonial Center on Sun., Nov. 19. A young team, USC has three senior leaders in Bryce Sheldon, Tre’ Kelley and Brandon Wallace. USC sat down with Brandon Wallace (BW) during Carolina’s trip back from California.

USC: The team is 2-1 after the first week. What are some things that excite you about this team?

BW: We have a lot of guys that are capable of scoring and on any given night it can be someone else leading the team in scoring. Also, the fact that we’ve already won a road game this early with a young team – that says good things.

USC: What’s your favorite part of the offense?

BW: My favorite part is when the shot goes up. If it doesn’t go in, I like getting offensive rebounds.

I also like to block shots.

USC: What do you have to do to be a good shot blocker?

BW: You have to time it. You have to be in the right place at the right time. I like blocking shots; it’s something I’ve been doing since high school. I probably blocked 7 or 8 shots a game in high school, but no body ever paid attention to it because it was high school. I’ve had success in college.

USC: Is it something you can practice?

BW: I hardly ever block a shot at practice. It must be something that is God given. It’s a timing thing. It’s just another way you can help the team win.

USC: Do you have a favorite block during your career?

BW: There are so many of them I can’t single out one. I’ve had a whole bunch of blocks.

USC: Who has impressed you thus far?

BW: Pretty much all the young guys in their own way. As freshman Tre’ and I had to work our way through the season. They are being thrown in the fire and they are doing things. It’s impressive.

USC: What will they need to do to keep playing well?

BW: They need to keep taking it day-by-day and game-by-game. They need to keep trying to get better.

USC: People are constantly asking you about your weight. Is it fun being able to eat whatever you want? You know there a lot of international models that would kill to have your metabolism.

BW: I just eat whenever I feel like it. Late night, early in the morning. 5-6 times a day. I eat fried chicken, mac and cheese, chicken wings. I have been trying to tighten up my diet since I have been taking a nutrition class this semester.

USC: What are some of your early pre-season goals?

BW: I want to get the shock-blocking record. I want to make All-SEC, first of second team – whichever.

USC: This year, it’s kind of your team along with Bryce and Tre as seniors. Can you believe how fast it has gone by in the last three years?

BW: It’s something that you think about it. I came in as a freshman in 2003 and now we are on the way out. I look forward to the challenge this season as a senior.

USC: What do you want your legacy to be?

BW: We did more with less.

USC: If you had a Saturday off, how would you spend it?

BW: I would watch basketball or football – depending on the season. Play some video games. I like to watch the Cavaliers and all college games. I watch a lot of the Cavaliers because of LeBron James.

USC: You don’t play Thanksgiving weekend. What are your plans for Thanksgiving Day?

BW: I am going home to eat with my family. I will eat a lot of mac and cheese. We will also have the big ham you cook during Thanksgiving. I am not a big fan of turkey.

USC: What would you like to tell Gamecock fans about this team?

BW: There is an exciting future ahead. Not only this year, but in the next couple of years.