Goldsboro native Reco McCarter joined the Fighting Camels last summer as a transfer from Virginia Commonwealth. In his first season at Campbell, McCarter has quickly developed into a key performer, chipping in nearly 9 points over his first 10 games, rating second on the team in steals and earning a spot in the starting line-up.
McCarter took a few minutes after the exam break to chat with Athletics Media Services assistant Laura Caroline Spell about his time at VCU and his new home away from home in Buies Creek.
What prompted your transfer from VCU?
McCarter: I wanted to get closer to home. My grandmother was sick and I wanted to get back closer to her. I had a chance to meet with the coaching staff and I really enjoyed them and the family environment here. I also really liked the players, so that had a big impact on me making the decision to transfer.
What was the Final Four experience like with VCU during your redshirt freshman year?
It's a feeling that I'll never get for the rest of my life, the chance to be a part of history. It was amazing. We beat some big teams. Nobody thought we could do it, but we got it done.
With several options, why did you choose Campbell?
I had several different schools I was looking at, but I saw the potential that Campbell had. I could get a lot of minutes right away, so I wanted to do that.
Did you know any of your teammates coming in to Campbell?
I actually knew Darius (Leonard) before I came here. We had played basketball against each other in high school. He went to Kestrel Heights and I went to Wayne Country Day, and we had a tournament that we got matched up against each other.
What is the biggest difference between VCU and Campbell?
The biggest culture difference is Richmond is the city and here it's more country. There was a lot going on. I was downtown in Richmond, and it's a lot faster there with a lot more people.
How have you adjusted to Buies Creek?
It was a lot easier to adjust here because I'm used to being able to park in a parking lot and being able to see grass. Being in the city it was something new. I wasn't used to it.
How does it feel to be closer to home?
I love it. It was difficult for my family to come up and see me play at VCU, and now they're 45 minutes up the road. They can come see me play and come visit. I can get more home-cooked meals now. It's a blessing to be this close to home.
How did your new teammates accept you?
It felt like we'd known each other for a while. I came in and the guys were really welcoming and we all got along. Now we're closer and more like brothers.
What does it mean to you that you've become a regular starter?
It's a great feeling. I haven't really been on the court in two years, so for me to be starting means a lot to me. I'm still not satisfied. I want more. It's just a great feeling to be back on the court.
How have you improved?
I've gotten a lot stronger working with Coach (Andrew) Carter. I've also learned the system since I got here in June. I've been learning a lot and adjusting to the different coaching style
What do you contribute to the team?.
I think I contribute being the aggressor and being the playmaker. I try to bring my team energy. I feel like I could do more, but like Coach Laing always tells me, I have to take care of myself before I can lead, and that's what I'm trying to do now. Being the new face, I don't want to come in and try to lead right away, I have to lead by example and then I can lead vocally.
How do you see yourself growing as a player over the next two years?
I see myself as more of a vocal leader than anything.
You are the fourth-highest scorer on this year's team. What do you think that says about your play this year?
Honestly, I don't even look at that. I just play the game. I try to do whatever I can to make my team, teammates, and program successful. I just play and don't really worry about statistics and points, I just want to win. That's the most important thing for me.
Where do you see the team going this year?
Right now we're still really trying to find ourselves, and we still have a chance to get a whole lot better than we are now. The main thing is getting ready for conference play. I feel like we can still win the conference. We were preseason number one. We have the talent, and we're still growing as a program, so I feel like we can still finish on top.
Did the preseason Big South ranking put any added pressure on the team?
I think it put a lot of pressure on us. Our fans expect us to win every single game, and right now we're not, so I feel like our fans are a little down. We know that we can finish on top, and we still have a lot of improving to do.
