June 18, 2014

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina incoming freshman point guard Marcus Stroman sat down with GamecocksOnline.com this week for our web series, “Starting Five With Marcus Stroman.” The series will highlight a different member of the Gamecock men’s basketball team with each edition. Stroman, a native of Columbia, was an all-state honoree his senior season at Keenan High School when he averaged 16.8 points and 7.5 assists per game. The newcomer spoke about why he decided to attend school and play basketball for the Gamecocks and how he would describe his style of play.

Q: A native of Columbia, tell us about your decision that your hometown University was the place for you to continue your basketball career and attend school.
A: I wanted my family to be able to see me play and the University is so close to home so they can see me play in all of my games. Being a player for Frank Martin also. He is a great coach and I wanted to play for him.

Q: If you could describe your style of play in three words, what would they be and why?
A: Passer, because I love to get my teammates involved in the game; defender, because I love playing defense; and lastly, a leader, because I’m a point guard and I have to be vocal on the court.

Q: You’ve been attending South Carolina games for your entire life. Do you have a memorable game or two you have attended?
A: Definitely when the Gamecocks beat Kentucky when they were number one (Jan. 2010) and then this past March when they beat Kentucky as well. It was great, I got to see everyone storm the court.

Q: Do you model your game after a specific professional player(s)?
A: Allen Iverson, he is my favorite player and I model my crossover after him. Chris Paul, because of his leadership and he is vocal on the court and gets his teammates involved. On the defensive side, Rajon Rondo, because he has big hands and long arms like me.

Q: What type of mindset do you bring to the team this season?
A: I’m competitive, I have the drive not to quit and I have a very defensive mindset.

To place a deposit for season tickets for the upcoming season of Gamecock men’s basketball, visit GamecocksOnline.com/tickets or call 1-800-4SC-FANS.