Nov. 6, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina freshman guard Duane Notice sat down with GamecocksOnline.com recently for our web series in conjunction with Spurs and Feathers, “Starting Five With Duane Notice.” The series will highlight a different member of the Gamecock men’s basketball team with each edition. The Woodbridge, Ontario, native spoke on his role models in the game of basketball, what he has worked on the most this preseason and also what he thinks sets himself apart from others on the court.

Q: You played last year for St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, Conn., but you are from Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada. What made coming down south to play for the Gamecocks so exciting?
A: The recruitment. The staff saw me late in my final year at prep school and the commitment they showed to recruiting me, and the vision they showed for the South Carolina program.

Q: Everybody kind of mentioned you as a combo guard with plenty of scoring ability during your recruitment. How do you see your game?
A: It is hard for me to gauge my game because I feel I am my biggest critic. I can’t really put myself into one position. I like to pass the ball and look for my teammates, play defense and I like to score when the pressure is on. It depends on the situation.

Q: You averaged 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists last year for St. Thomas More. Obviously you bring a great deal to the table, but what do you think sets you apart from others on the court?
A: My physicality; I like to play physical during the game. I’m a team player and I like to do the little things to win, and I like to listen to my coach.

Q: What aspect of your game are you working on the most as you prepare for your freshman season to get underway?
A: My point guard skills. At St. Thomas More I was playing at the two, and I haven’t played point guard for several years. I’ve worked on making better reads and pushing the ball. It has been an adjustment because I played international basketball with Team Canada, so it is different playing in the United States with different rules and different philosophies of the game. I’ve also worked on my shot, it is more consistent. I’m just trying to get better everyday.

Q: What player do you model your game after the most?
A: I look up to Steve Nash; he is a great mentor to me. Guys like Cory Joseph in the NBA, Kevin Pangos at Gonzaga I like to model my game after. Just teammates that I’ve had, I like to take something from every one I play against or see.

Continue to visit GamecocksOnline.com for more of the web series “Starting Five,” throughout the season. For season ticket information, including the new reduced lower level prices, fans should visit www.GamecocksOnline.com/Tickets, or call 1-800-4SC-FANS.