When Tim Duncan officially started at Paine, he planned to take 90 days to observe and then take action.

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President George Bradley had other plans for his new athletic director, telling him he soon wanted a strategic plan in place. Shortly after his May 9 start date, Duncan assembled a five-part plan. That’s been just the start for Duncan, who’s made several other major changes for the athletic department.

“It’s been extremely busy,” Duncan said. “But it’s been very good.”

The former UNC-Wilmington associate athletic director and director of major gifts, Duncan has been working to become more visible in the Augusta community. He’s also spoken to several alumni groups throughout the state.

“Paine College has been a well-kept secret,” Duncan said. “I want people to know the good things we’re doing.”

He established a five-part plan, which includes academic excellence, athletic excellence, compliance, external operations and student well-being.

Some of the highlights include: the administration allocating more scholarship money, the formalization of the first study hall for student-athletes, a monthly compliance meeting with his coaches and the establishment of the Lion Athletic Club, which will help fund scholarships.

Duncan made one of his most important strides during the summer, when he set up a lunch meeting with USC Aiken athletic director Randy Warrick. After an on-court brawl during a men’s basketball game in December 1997, the schools haven’t played each other in any sport. Duncan and Warrick hit it off so well the two agreed to allow their teams to start playing each other again immediately.

“He was open to it,” Duncan said. “He was more than willing to resume the series.”

Duncan, who said he’d like to see his men’s basketball team face the Pacers as soon as next year, brokered a deal to play the school’s Nov. 26 home game at the USC Aiken Convocation Center. The rest of the Lions’ home games will be held at Richmond Academy this season. Paine is expected to soon begin construction on its 80,000-foot Health Education Activities Learning (HEAL) Center, which includes a renovated Carter Gym. Duncan said he hopes the new arena will be ready for the start of the 2012-13 basketball season.