Gary McGhee

Name: Gary McGhee

School/Mascot: University of Pittsburgh/Panthers

Sport: Basketball

Class: Junior

Current City: Pittsburgh, PA

Hometown: Anderson, IN

Birth date: 10/28/1988

Age: 21

Height/Weight: 6’10”/250lbs

On your sport…

How long have you played? What inspired you to play?

I have been playing since I was 7years old. My Dad inspired me to play the game, he put the ball in my hands and I have held on to it since.

Where is your favorite place to play (compete)?

My favorite place to play is our home gym here at Pitt, the Petersons Events Center.

What is your favorite number? Why?

My favorite number is 52, I was given it my sophomore year in high school, so I kept it.

Who is the best player you’ve played WITH and AGAINST?

The best player I played with was Dejuan Blair, my college teammate (Current San Antonio Spurs forward), and the best player I played against is Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves forward).

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

Yes, I come to the gym an hour early and get some shots up.

If you didn’t play your sport, what sport would you play?

If I didn’t play basketball, I would play football I loved playing defensive tackle.

Have you ever had an injury while performing your sport?

I caught an elbow to the mouth my sophomore year and had to get 4 stitches in my lip.

What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment?

Playing on the #1 ranked team in the nation last year; when we received that ranking for the first time in school history.

What is your most memorable moment? Why?

Was being a part of the 2008 Big East Champs here at Pittsburgh, I will never forget that, just because all the things that happened to our team that year. It was something special.

How has your sport helped you become who you are today?

Learn how to face adversity and how to react to it. It also helped me make a lot of friends and travel many places.

How has your family reacted to all of your sporting success?

My family has always encouraged me to strive to be the best and never give up on my dreams.

Behind your sport…

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Playing video games, listening to music, and chilling with my teammates.

Name 3 Fun Facts about yourself that people may not know.

I have 5 tattoos. I love butter pecan ice cream. And my zodiac sign is Scorpio.

Facebook or Twitter?

Twitter

Ps3, Xbox or neither?

Xbox

What is your favorite part about college?

Being on your own, and learning from your own experiences.

What is your favorite quote?

“Adversity breaks some people, for others it helps them break records.”

Who is the most influential person you’ve met? Why?

My Dad because he has been there for me my whole life and has taught me so many life lessons.

What do you value the most?

I value my family the most, because they have always been there for me, through the ups and downs.

What is your major? Why did you choose it?

My major is communications; I chose it because I want to be a sports broadcaster.

Outside of your sport, what are your visions/goals in life?

To graduate from college and become a successful man, and start a family.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Being in the NBA or playing professional basketball overseas.

Final thoughts…

How do you feel about being the DormRumor?

I was excited and I thought it was a great opportunity to tell my story.

What are your thoughts about Mylan Murphy?

I think it’s a great thing that he is doing with Dorm Rumor, and I hope he continues his success.

What will you continue to Strive4?

Success

Follow Gary McGhee’s athletic career at http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/mcghee_gary00.html