Oct. 2, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina freshman guard Sindarius Thornwell sat down with GamecocksOnline.com recently for a new web series in conjunction with Spurs and Feathers, “Starting Five With Sindarius Thornwell.” The series will highlight a different member of the Gamecock men’s basketball team with each edition. A South Carolina native and highly-touted recruit, Thornwell begins his first season with the Garnet and Black this fall. GamecocksOnline.com talked with him about his decision to attend South Carolina and what aspects of his game he is working on during the preseason thus far.

Q: You were one of the top recruits in the country. Why did you choose to come to the University of South Carolina?
A: I chose to come to South Carolina because it is home. I can be close to my family, and I felt that ‘why would I go to another university?’ when I can stay home and help out my home team to be a winning program.

Q: Former Gamecock basketball player Carey Rich described you this summer as the “Stephon Gilmore of the basketball team at South Carolina,” meaning that you spurred other offers from traditional powers to build something here at South Carolina. Does building something special here at South Carolina drive you daily?
A: It means a lot. I’m from South Carolina so it is always good to represent your home state. And so, coming here, if I can help Coach Frank and everyone else win, that’s great. And I’m from here, so it’s big for me.

Q: You are a guard that is known as a pure scorer who can take over a game. How do you see yourself as a player?
A: I see myself as a player who can score, but more of a slasher. I like to attack the basket, get open shots for my teammates and to play hard.

Q: Who do you model your game after the most?
A: A Dwyane Wade type. The way he gets to the basket and gets his teammates open, and he is a slasher. Also James Harden. He can shoot the 3 better than Wade, so a combination of those two.

Q: What aspect of your game are you working on the most as you prepare for your freshman season to get underway?
A: I’m working on my jump shot and staying low with my dribble. I’m also working on continuing to develop my skills in other areas.

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.