Starting Five With Maik Kotsar

Nov. 2, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Freshman forward Maik Kotsar sat down with GamecocksOnline.com recently for our web series “Starting Five With Maik Kotsar.” The series will highlight a different newcomer to the Carolina team with each edition. Check out what Maik had to say about his favorite NBA player and his game.

Q: What do you like most about being a Gamecock?
MK: Everything about it is awesome. The practices are very intense. I know I’m going to get a lot better defensively. So far practices have just been awesome. I can’t wait to see what it’s going to be like during the season.

Q: Who is the NBA player you try to model your game after the most?
MK: I think one of my idols is Kawhi Leonard just because he’s so versatile. He plays both defense and offense so efficiently. That’s ultimately what I want to try and do with my game.

Q: How have the upperclassmen helped you adjust to college life?
MK: The upperclassmen are just really good leaders. They’re great to follow. They give a ton of inspiration, and they do a great job just keeping every freshman in line. Everyone has really taken me under their wing, so it’s been great and really helped with the transition.

Q: What are some of your interests outside of basketball?
MK: Playing video games and trying new foods would probably be the two things I would say if anything. There’s no food in particular I like in the States. It’s all really good. My favorite game right now is Overwatch.

Q: What aspect of your game do you want to work on the most this season?
MK: I feel like I have to work on everything to get better. If I would have to give anything in particular, I want to really be more of a consistent shooter both from the mid-range and from deep.

South Carolina continues preseason practice in advance of its exhibition contest versus Newberry on Nov. 6. Tip-off is slated at Colonial Life Arena for 4:30 p.m. ET versus the Wolves.