Nov. 10, 2008

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The winner of the 2008 Midnight Madness three-pointing shooting contest, Zac Rich, is set for his senior campaign with the Spartan's men basketball team. He is ranked sixth in career three-point field goal percentage at Upstate and looks to improve upon that starting Nov. 14 in the men's first game of the season at Georgia.

Last season, Rich hit 43.5 percent of his three-point attempts, good for the top percentage on the team. He earned a season-high nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from the three-point arc in the Spartan's win over Brevard on Dec. 6. In his sophomore season, he recorded 33 assists and 23 steals while playing in 27 games for the Spartans. He scored a career-high 18 points in Upstate's win over Francis Marion on Jan. 10 and had 12 points, two assists and three steals against North Georgia on Jan. 31.

Additionally, Rich has been recognized academically while at Upstate. The secondary education major was a member of the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Academic Honor Rolls in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, and was an Atlantic Sun Conference All-Academic selection last season.

This season, Rich looks to build upon the Spartan's growth and help to lead a team that recently made the transition to a competitive, top-notch style of Division I basketball in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Spartans will get the opportunity to compete against prominent Division I programs such as Georgia, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Duquesne, Boston College, Fresno State, and Gonzaga.They will host Duquesne at the Hodge Center on Nov. 25. Upstate will open their season on Friday, Nov. 14, at Georgia.

Recently, Rich sat down with Sarah Hurd of upstatespartans.com to discuss his experiences at Upstate and plans for the future.

What was it like kicking off the 2008-09 season with "Midnight Madness" in late October? Was it exciting to be back on the court in front of the home fans and win the three-point shooting contest?
It was very exciting to see all the fans come out and support us. I was very proud of the way the Street Team organized and put on the event. I've always enjoyed doing three-point contests, and it was exciting to participate in one and win it before my senior year.

What has been your most memorable travel experience at USC Upstate so far?
I definitely enjoyed playing at the Rupp Arena at the University of Kentucky my sophomore year and traveling to Alaska, where we went bobsledding and experienced the different lifestyle out there.

You are the top three-point shooter on the team. What's the most important thing you focus on when you're shooting a trey?
Both my parents taught me just to stay focused on the rim and follow through.

Do you ever plan on getting involved in coaching in the future?
Yes. I'd like to coach at the collegiate level if possible, possibly get a grad assistantship in coaching next year.

If you didn't play basketball at USC Upstate, what other sport would you consider competing in? Did you play any other sports growing up?
Either tennis or golf. After being involved in team sports my whole life, I'd like to try something different with individual sports. Growing up, I played just about every sport, including football, tennis, soccer, swimming and baseball. After moving to South Carolina in eighth grade, I pretty much gave up on all the other sports and started to focus just on basketball.

What has your experience been like playing under head coach Eddie Payne, the only active coach NCAA Division I head coach to have coached on all five levels of college basketball, and making the transition from Division II to Division I play?
The transition from Division II to Division I has been tough for myself and the team because the competition is obviously quicker and stronger in Division I. Playing for Coach Payne has been exactly what I wanted it to be. I came here knowing that I wanted to be a coach and I welcomed the opportunity to play for him and learn from him.

Both your parents played a sport at Northeastern State University. Your dad played basketball and your mom played softball and volleyball. Did you ever consider going there? What was it like being constantly around sports growing up?
I definitely think I would have tried to go to Northeastern State University if we had stayed in Oklahoma. Both my parents majored in physical education and started off as PE teachers and coaches, so an active lifestyle and athletics are pretty much all I have ever known.

What's your favorite NBA team and who do you see as the ideal role model in the NBA?
I've always loved watching the Cleveland Cavaliers because of my favorite player, Lebron James. I've followed him since high school. If I had to chose a role model, it would be Chris Paul. Having CJ (Chris's younger brother) play here before I played here, it's been great to get to know him and I have a huge amount of respect for him because of his Foundation and what he does off the court.

What brought you to USC Upstate? How would you describe your three and a half-year experience here in Spartanburg so far?
It's been amazing. I've gotten a great education studying secondary education en route to hopefully coaching someday. Playing under Coach Payne and with my teammates has been unforgettable, and the people in the Spartanburg community have been very helpful and supportive.

Where would you like to be and what do you see yourself doing a year from now?
I'd like to stay around the area if possible because my friends and family are here. Ideally, I'd like to find a grad assistantship somewhere and start getting some coaching experience.