Newcomer Erik Stevenson already taking on team leader role for Gamecocks
Erik Stevenson is one of nine new faces on the South Carolina basketball roster.
Stevenson played at Wichita State and Washington before announcing this offseason he would play for Frank Martin and Gamecocks. In three seasons, he has career averages of 8.8 points, 4 rebounds and 2.2 assists a game.
South Carolina hosts Benedict in an exhibition (7 p.m. Nov. 4) and then opens the regular season at home against USC Upstate (7 p.m. Nov. 9).
Stevenson talked with The State during the team’s recent on-campus media day about his getting adjusted to his third school in four years.
Lou Bezjak: For those who don’t know your story, remind folks why you transferred to USC.
Erik Stevenson: My journey has been all over the place. It started in the Midwest at Wichita State, then back home to Washington and now I am here in South Carolina. Frank Martin is a great coach and established a culture here and a toughness, so that is what attracted me to come to South Carolina.
Bezjak: What’s been the transition to South Carolina like?
Stevenson: Nothing has been really that hard. The toughest thing, which hasn’t been that complicated, has been learning Frank’s system. But it hasn’t really been that hard of a transition.
Bezjak: Do you have a sense yet of your role on the team or where you might fit in?
Stevenson: I have pretty much established myself as a leader on the team. When it comes to my role on the court, I’ve got to make shots and got to defend. I’m a vet, it is my fourth year of college basketball, so I know what it takes to win. I just want to help these guys win and improve every day.
Bezjak: Give me a scouting report of your game
Stevenson: I don’t know if I should answer that (laughs). You better get there on the catch. Because if I catch it, it is going up.
Bezjak: Frank Martin’s best advice or best coaching tip to you so far?
Stevenson: It hasn’t been basketball-wise to be honest with you. He is a great basketball coach. But he is preparing me for my future, my basketball career after college. He talks to me about being a coach and that is what I want to do when my career is over. So things along that line help me be a coach when my career is over.
