Gary McGhee

 Name: Gary McGhee   
School/Mascot: University of Pittsburgh/Panthers
Sport: Basketball
Class: Senior

Current City: Pittsburgh, PA
Hometown: Anderson, IN
Birth date: 10/28/1988
Age: 21
Height/Weight: 6’10”/250lbs

3 years of college have completely flown by for 6’10 Pitt Center Gary McGhee… Entering into his senior season, he couldn’t be more ready to lead his team to another successful year! Gary, being 1 out of 3 captains on the team this year for the Panthers is excited to let all his leadership skills and hard work pay off on the court! With having an extremely busy summer due to traveling for basketball, Gary is finally back at the University of Pittsburg and ready to do his thing. Earlier in the summer, Gary attended the Amare Stoudamire Camp which was held in Chicago, IL at Attack Athletics, which is owned by the famous Tim Grover; Michael Jordan’s former trainer and many current NBA players as well. Gary also attended the LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron, OH as well earlier in the summer. However, the whole University of Pitt Men’s Basketball team did something very impressive this summer. They traveled to Ireland in which they stayed for 12 total days. Not only was it an opportunity of a lifetime for them  that many other teams around the country didn’t get to do, but the Pitt hoop squad also played while they were over there and went 6-0; didn’t lose a game! That’s a PERFECT way to build team chemistry in the off-season. Now all they have to do is carry their success over to this upcoming season; which they are confident that they will!

I was asking Gary how basketball has been good to him in life and what has it allowed him to learn and he told me “He has learned how to face adversity and how to react to it when it arises. It also has helped him make a lot of friends that he wouldn’t have normally been able to meet and also has allowed him to travel many different places”; like Ireland.

I could talk about basketball all day long, however, the point that I want to stress to you is how great of an individual Gary truly is… Outside of basketball… He is definitely a man of great character. He values God and Family first before anything else and realizes without them, nothing would be possible. His favorite quote is “Adversity breaks some people, for others it helps them break records.” That completely fits Gary’s life with the ups and downs that he has gone through. However, the ending fits because he has and will continue to overcome any obstacle that arises in his life! If you want to look into the future, I can tell you this: You will either see Gary playing professional basketball in the NBA, overseas, or even being a sports broadcaster. He will soon have the communications major, and that is a dream job he would like to pursue after basketball. Regardless, I’d say here in a few years, GARY MCGHEE will be on a television near you!

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?

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 basketball, 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 two years ago; 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.

 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 (Follow him @Big_G52)

Ps3 or Xbox?

Xbox

What is your favorite part about college?

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

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.

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

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

How do you feel about being the Dorm Rumor?

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

Follow Gary McGhee's Senior year at http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/mcghee_gary00.html