Dec. 2, 2009

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Junior Kim Pitman has appeared in six of the seven contests for the Spartans in 2009-10. She posted season-highs of six points and seven rebounds in USC Upstate's season opener against North Greenville. She was just two points and two rebounds shy of tying her career highs. The Plumtree, N.C., native posted a career high of eight points during her freshman campaign at UNC Asheville, while recording nine rebounds against Mercer just a few weeks later.

Pitman and her Spartan teammates defeated Winston-Salem State last night by a score of 84-60. Upstate will take a break for exams and will return to action on Dec. 15 at Clemson.

Pitman recently talked with Alex Edwards of Upstatespartans.com to discuss the season as well her time in Spartanburg.

Now that the Spartans have several games already completed, what is the outlook for the remainder of the season?
We just have to continue to play as a team and not focus on individual stats, such as who scores the most each game. We have to play strong defense and outrebound our opponents each game. If we can do those things, I feel that we can have a great season, especially when we get into conference play.

You and your teammates have a month between home games, how excited will you be to return to the friendly confines of the Hodge Center on Dec. 30?
It is always nice to play at home in front of our fans. Also, we practice here nearly every day, so naturally it is where we feel most comfortable.

During the two-game road trip to the state of Virginia, you and your teammates took a tour of Thomas Jefferson's home, which is located just outside of Charlottesville. What was that experience like?
It was a neat experience as we were able to tour the home of Thomas Jefferson who was an influential figure in early United States history. It was also interesting to see how things were done during that particular time.

What has been your most memorable moment as a student-athlete at Upstate? Why?
I would have to say the trip to Cozumel, Mexico, last season. Being able to travel outside of the United States is not something that people are able to do on a regular basis and it was just a great experience for our team.

Do you prefer watching college basketball or the WNBA? Why?
I definitely prefer watching college basketball over the WNBA. By watching college games, I feel that I can learn more that will enable me to improve my game.

If you could travel to any place in the world, where would you go and why?
I have always wanted to travel to Jerusalem. It is a significant place in the Bible and because of that I have always wanted to travel there.

What is one thing that people may not know about head coach Tammy George?
In my opinion, I think she is a little kid at heart. From time to time she will joke around with us and it's always a good time.

If you could spend the day with any athlete, who would you choose and why?
I would like to spend the day with Candace Parker. I would love to just talk with her about the things that she overcame to get where she is today.

If your teammates were to use an adjective to describe you, what do you think they would choose and why?
That's easy, sarcastic. It doesn't matter what the situation is, something sarcastic is going to come out of my mouth.

Do you have any pregame superstitions?
I always write Jeremiah 29:11 on my hand before every game. It is something that I started doing in high school and it is just something that I have continued to do.