R.J. Kelly spent last season on the sidelines for the University of South Alabama men's basketball team after transferring from Savannah State. As a freshman for the Tigers, he averaged 9.7 points and a team-high 6.0 rebounds, en route to all-rookie honors from the MEAC. He spoke with USAJaguars.com about his year off, the biggest influence on his career and why he enjoys playing basketball.

When did you start playing basketball?
I started when I was young. I actually started playing football at first and around the age of 12 of 13, I got out of football and fell in love with basketball. I love football, but my parents thought I was too skinny and the boys I was playing with were too physical. They said I'd be better at basketball.

Take me through your journey to get to South Alabama.
I began at Hillgrove High School then transferred to Cumberland Christian Academy. I love Cumberland Christian Academy and have nothing but great things to say about it – they helped me get where I am now. In my 12th-grade year, I was able to get a preferred walk-on offer from Savannah State. That was the only Division I offer that I had. I went there, worked hard, kept my grades up, and Coach Matthew Graves gave me the opportunity to get a scholarship here and become a Jag.

Why did you choose South Alabama?
The coaching staff had an interest in me and knew abilities and my potential. Coach Graves and his staff had a trust in me and believed I could change this program around and that's what I plan on doing.

What's the biggest thing you took away from your redshirt year?
All the work you have to put in physically and mentally. During your redshirt year, you're not able to travel. You're still part of the team, but you're not in on the road trips and conversations, you feel somewhat left out. That's the time that you get to focus on yourself and your nutrition. I put on a lot of weight over the last year. That year is just a stepping stone to get me where I want to be.

What did you try to work on during your year off?
My focus was to get a more consistent 3-point jump shot, tighten up my handles and get better at finishing around the basket. Coach (Russ) Willemsen worked with me a lot on that last year.

What was it like last year not being able to play?
It was hard at times, especially when the team is getting all of their gear and playing in front of the fans. That was my first year not being able to play a sport since I was young. I had my own fun but it wasn't the same as being out on the court and helping your team win. It's hard not being able to help your team.

How would you describe your playing style?
Fast, athletic, great motor, energy and stamina. I like to run the floor and take open jump shots or drive the paint and finish at the rim. I like to find players in the post and kick out and get others involved. Mostly, I like winning. Whatever I have to do to get a win, whether that's blocks or rebounds.

What do you consider to be the strongest part of your game?
Finishing around the rim. At Savannah State, I shot 62 percent from the field and 42 percent from the 3-point line. I like shooting the 3-ball and I'm pretty consistent at it. I worked a lot on it this year and have continued to work on it this summer.

What part of your game are you working on the most leading up to next season?
My 3-point shot. I just want to be consistent – every time I get the ball and let it go, I want my teammates to believe that it's going in and I'm not just throwing it in. I put a lot of work in the gym to make sure that it's crisp and it has every chance of going in. Coach (Richie) Riley says, if you put in the work, you deserve to win. If you put a million jump shots up before the season starts, when your time comes, you deserve to make it.

What do you enjoy the most of the game of basketball?
The thrill of winning and making my family proud. That's the most important thing to me. I love my parents and they do everything for me. I wouldn't be here without them. I love playing basketball for myself, of course, but my parents love watching me play and I love making them proud.

Who has had the biggest influence on your basketball career?
My mom. She grew up playing basketball, and was all-county and all-state in Mississippi, and played at Copiah-Lincoln. My father didn't play much basketball, he just played a lot of sports in general, mostly baseball. My mom influenced me to be a basketball player the most, but my dad just wanted me to be in sports.

What do you expect of yourself this season?
To go in there and give everything I have in every single game, and give Coach Riley and his staff whatever they want and nothing less. I'm not expecting to put up big numbers necessarily, even though I think I can, I just want to win and contribute any way that I can to this basketball team.

What professional player do you try to model your game after?
I really like Jayson Tatum's game, the way he moves without the ball, then when he gets the ball. I think we share similar body types. I also like to look at Patrick McCaw and Shaun Livingston to see what I can pick up. Guys that like to handle the ball but are taller, those are the ones I look at.

Quick Hits
Favorite NBA team: I don't have one, I'm a LeBron fan
Favorite college team growing up: Duke
Favorite sport other than basketball: Pro football
Favorite musical artist: Lil Wayne
Favorite class: History
Favorite movie: "Avatar"
Favorite video game: Fortnite
Favorite social media: Instagram
Favorite TV show: "Family Guy"

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