Oct. 10, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina freshman guard Desmond Ringer sat down with GamecocksOnline.com recently for our web series in conjunction with Spurs and Feathers, “Starting Five With Desmond Ringer.” The series will highlight a different member of the Gamecock men’s basketball team with each edition. A native of McDonough, Ga., Ringer comes to South Carolina after helping to lead his high school, Eagle’s Landing, to its first-ever state championship in the spring of 2013, scoring 17 points and collecting 14 rebounds in the title game. Ringer talked with GamecocksOnline.com about looking ahead to his freshman season with the Gamecocks.

Q: You were listed as one of the top players in the state of Georgia. Why did you decide that the University of South Carolina was the best fit for you?
A: Because of the opportunity for playing time and Coach Frank is an excellent coach. I think he is a coach who is going to stay on you, and that is what I need as a basketball player to get better. And as far as academics, South Carolina had what I needed.

Q: Your size, strength, athleticism and skill in the post will be an asset for the Gamecocks this year. What do you think that you bring to the team?
A: I think I bring a dimension inside that the team didn’t have last year. Not only myself, but all of us – Demetrius (Henry), Laimonas (Chatkevicius), Mindaugas (Kacinas) – we all got better during the summer and will bring a great dimension to the post.

Q: Obviously your size allows for you to contribute as a presence underneath defensively and on the glass. Do you take pride in making the most out of your efforts on both ends of the court?
A: Absolutely. My coach in high school told me that defense is effort. Your offense, your shot might not be falling, but defense, you can control it. Any way I can help my team if my offense is not on, then I will work hard on the defensive end.

Q: Who do you model your game after the most?
A: I model my game after Tim Duncan because he is very fundamental and he knows how to use his angles on the court to get baskets that a lot of post players with athleticism don’t do.

Q: What aspect of your game are you working on the most as you prepare for your freshman season to get underway?
A: Just working on being patient and listening. Coach Frank is big on listening and following directions. I think if I listen and work within the system, scoring and steals will come if I just work hard, listen and do what Coach Frank asks me to do.

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.