Q&A with Former Tiger Standout K.C. Rivers

Aug. 12, 2010

CLEMSON, SC – Former Clemson basketball standout K.C. Rivers is coming off his first season as a professional in Europe. Rivers, who played with the Tigers from 2005-09, was the leading scorer in Italy’s second division after averaging 24.5 points per game with A.B. Latina from October through December of 2009. He was promoted to Benetton Treviso in the Italian A Series, where he averaged 12 points per game and helped the team to a berth in the national playoffs.

Rivers was a part of 91 Tiger victories during his four years at Clemson. He helped the team to consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, his junior and senior seasons. He also led the Tigers to a berth in the 2008 ACC Championship game, only the second championship game appearance in school history. He finished his career with 281 three-point baskets, a Clemson record and one of the top 15 figures in ACC history.

ClemsonTigers.com recently caught up with the Charlotte, NC native. Here is what he had to say:

Reflecting back on your time at Clemson, how proud were you in taking part in one of the most successful stretches in program history? “We had a great four years. It was a special time to be a part of a group of guys that were committed to winning. To the guys that are there now, I’m sure the new coaching staff is instilling the same principles within each of them, so that they can experience the same thing I experienced when I was at Clemson. Maybe they can elevate it even more than what we did.”

Do you have a particular moment that stands out, in terms of your favorite memory while you were at Clemson? “That’s kind of a toss-up. Beating Duke at home (2009) was special, we owe a lot to the fans for that. Making the run at the ACC Tournament my junior year (2008) was a memorable experience. Playing Syracuse at home in the NIT my sophomore year (2007), and having a sellout crowd after just playing two days before, was special.”

What will you remember about the relationships you made with your Clemson teammates? “The guys were cool. We certainly had some ups and downs, but overall I made a lot of good friendships. At the end of the day, when it was time to step across those lines, we had each other’s backs.”

Tell us where you played last season, and what was that experience like? “I played for Benetton Treviso in the top league (A Series) in Italy. I started off in the second division (playing for A.B. Latina), and was one of the leading scorers there, so I was promoted to Benetton. We made it to the playoffs, but we fell short in beating (former Clemson standout Terrell) McIntyre and his team (Montepaschi Siena).”

How difficult was the transition to the highest league in Italy? “There wasn’t much difference, to be honest. There are almost just as many good players in the ACC. The speed of the game is about the same. But in Europe, you’ve got a lot of guys that just know how to play. It’s a great experience, especially if you come prepared. I feel that playing in the ACC prepared me well for Europe.”

What are the biggest similarities and differences between the European style of basketball and the college game? “The three-point line is the same as it was in college. Ball-handling is different. They have much more of an emphasis on putting the ball down first. For me, the language barrier was the biggest thing. When you talk to your teammates, you have to enunciate your words and slow down your talking so they understand what you’re trying to say.”

What did you think of the culture change, and life in Italy? “It wasn’t too different. I enjoyed the people. You can understand some people, and there are some that you can’t. You have to shop for groceries between Monday and Saturday. If you try to go on a Sunday, everything shuts down. Even during the week, they take breaks whenever they want. Places may say they’re open from 9-12, but you never know. Sometimes they take a break and open up only from 5-7, or from 7-9. You have to find ways to get stuff done in the nick of time. The fans are crazy. They have chants, and they beat drums throughout the game, non-stop. It’s like playing in an intense ACC atmosphere everywhere you go.”

Talk about the difficulty of the European schedule. You’re away from family and friends for 10 months of the year? “Oh, it’s tough. Those first few weeks, you’re going hard with two-a-days. You might practice at a certain time, and then come back two hours later only to go at it again. The training process is different. You go to the mountains to work out. You might take a trip somewhere to go train. It depends on the preference of the coach.

“It’s hard to do it for 10 months, you have to believe in mind over matter. You have to tell yourself you can do it. Once the season starts to wind down, you can see the Americans start to anticipate going home. Some are more eager to be done quicker, so they can be home with their families.

“Having family and friends over there is tough. You play twice a week, and you practice twice a day throughout the season. You have to try and make time for family, so it can be a little difficult. My girlfriend came over with me. She was in Italy for most of the season, with the exception of a month where she came back to the U.S. Plus, we have a dog. She seemed to enjoy the Italian experience.”

You recently signed with a team in France and you’re about to head back overseas. Where will you be playing? “I’m playing with Chorale de Roanne. They are in the top French league, and also in Euroleague as well. I’ll be able to play against McIntyre again in a couple of games. I’m not too thrilled about leaving early (departs for France on Friday), but you have to do what you can to support your family. This is the route I’ve taken.”