June 21, 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. –
South Carolina men’s basketball players are gearing up for the 2010-11 season spending their summer in the gym and in the classroom. GamecocksOnline.com sat down with incoming freshman Eric Smith prior to study hall at The Dodie Anderson Academic Enrichment Center for a Q&A on his thoughts about Columbia, his favorite movie and the upcoming basketball season. Check back with GamecocksOnline.com throughout the summer for Q&A’s with all of South Carolina basketball’s newcomers.

Q: You’ve been on campus for a few weeks, what are your impressions of the area?
A: I’m really enjoying myself. I know Columbia because I live pretty close (hometown of Mullins, S.C. is just 120 miles from Columbia). Everything is going well, and I’m getting adapted to the college life pretty easily. It’s good.

Q: Which NBA player would you compare yourself to and why?
A: I would say Chris Paul, because our games are pretty similar. We’re both close to six-foot tall, we have the same type of build, and we’re both quick.

Q: Who is the most famous person you have ever met?
A: Raymond Felton (former North Carolina standout and current guard for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats). My dad coached him in high school, so I know him pretty well.

Q: What is your favorite movie, TV show and sport other than basketball?
A: Friday, Everybody Hates Chris and football.

Q: Who has been the most influential person on your basketball career?
A: Definitely my father. He introduced me to basketball. Being around him a lot and watching him coach, that’s really how I got started in basketball. He really pushes me and just wants me to be the best I can be.

Q: What are you looking forward to most during the upcoming season?
A: I’m looking forward to playing big-time college SEC basketball and being a part of something special. Just trying to contribute in any way possible and trying to win games.

Q: What is playing on your iPod right now?
A: Drake.

Q: What do you plan to study at South Carolina?
A: I’m still undecided on my major, but I know I want to do something pertaining to sports.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I like to hang out with my friends, talk on the phone and play video games, mainly NBA 2K10.

Q: What would you say is the best part of your game?
A: I don’t think there is really one thing, but I think the best part is that my game is pretty balanced. I think I’m good in areas that a point guard needs to be good in, like shooting, defending, ball handling, passing and scoring. I think I have a good balance.

Q: What are three words your friends would use to describe you?
A: Energetic, loyal and dependable.

Q: What is something that most people probably don’t know about you?
A: I really like to laugh, joke and play a lot. When people first get to know me I’m laid back, and I like to get a feel for everything first before I really open up.