The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/197085
Ba ketball Preview 2013-14 a free throw shooter. Warren shot 54.2 percent from the free throw line as a freshman. Warren knows better success at the line will pump up his scoring numbers. "I've been shooting 150 free throws a night," Warren said. "I was good in high school, but I don't know what happened. I usually fall back when I shoot my free throws and lose my balance." The new and improved Warren is right on schedule, Gottfried said. "I think he has put a lot of time in and has gotten serious with his body," the Wolfpack's coach noted. "I think he would say Warren and his father had a interesting about the four veterans. The flip side is that dilemma last spring. Enter the NBA Draft Warren will also get plays called for him, after a solid freshman season — Warren which wasn't the case last year. shot a blistering 62.2 percent from the field Warren's ability to play either forward en route to 12.1 points per game in 27 position will be a terrific asset this season. minutes of action his freshman year at NC He definitely prefers to play small forward, State — or stay in college, continue to but he will need to help the Wolfpack's trio work on his game and play another season of freshman post players fortify the inside. for the Wolfpack. "Warren gets a lot of baskets without you "College life is fun, and playing college ever calling anything for him," Gottfried basketball, you only can do that once," said. "He went 21 of 28 in the ACC TourWarren said. "Coming back felt good for nament, and I'm not sure we ran anything me. specifically to him. Now, there are things "I just want to focus on this season and we ran for Scott Wood that you can run try to win as many games as possible. with T.J. There are things we ran for Our chemistry is so good. I can't wait Richard or Calvin [Leslie] that you can to show that." run for T.J. He is so versatile." T.J. and Tony talk to each other a The mid-range game has always been few times a week, either in person or Warren's strong suit, along with his through text messages. knack to get free for layups and put"He has been tutoring me a lot backs on offensive rebounds and aggresthroughout this whole process of me besively run the floor on the fast break. ing at NC State," Warren said. "He has a "At the four position, it's way easier lot of good things to say, and some that to score than the three," Warren said. I go against him about. He tries to help, "You don't have to work as hard and but it's just a father-son thing." try to get it open. Playing inside-out, The 6-8 Warren quickly established I've always done that. Whatever posihis ability to put the ball in the bastion Coach Gottfried wants me to play ket during his freshman year, and he for our team to be successful, I'll do." didn't even need plays called for him. Warren will also have to adjust to He has an intuitive ability to get himself defenses gearing up to stop him, but exopen for baskets and to hit the offensive pects plenty of help from his teammates. boards. "It's going to be difficult, but I trust Warren scored at least 20 points in my teammates," Warren said. "We have five games, including a 31-point exploa lot of players that have the ability to sion (plus 13 boards) in an 84-66 win make shots, and some guys that can over Florida State on Feb. 19. bang down low, plus some who can Warren moved into the starting lineup shoot the three. It's going to be fun." for the FSU game and remained there. The transition from fifth scoring opFormer teammate Richard Howell tion at times to leading man has been a once remarked that Warren could lead swift one. If Warren was off in a game the ACC in scoring as a sophomore. In the offseason, Warren lost about 23 pounds to reach last year, the four upperclassmen would He will get his chance this season with 217, which will help his quickness, agility and stamina, likely pick up the slack. Until the newfive of the top six scorers gone from last and ease the pressure on his knees. comers find their way, the pressure will photo by larry blankenship be on Warren to score, which is music year's team. Sophomore point guard Tyler Lewis it's the best he has felt ever, maybe high to his ears. hopes his passes help Warren live up to school. He's in great condition, and his "I feel like I can handle it, and I've been Howell's statement. stamina every day is remarkably better than preparing for it," Warren said. "My team"Warren is going to score the ball," last year. He has put himself in a position to mates trust me as well as I trust them, and Lewis said. "He is one of the best scorers have a great year." the coaching staff feels the same way. We in the ACC, if not the country. He is going Warren said he hasn't been around 217 are going to make this happen, and I can't to have a really great year." pounds since perhaps his freshman year at wait for it." DraftExpress.com lists Warren as the Durham (N.C.) Riverside High. He admits NCSU has featured a balanced offensive No. 21 overall player in the 2014 NBA to being shocked at times when he glances attack the last year two years. Gottfried Draft, and he has taken to heart the site's in the mirror. said having Warren break out and become scouting video of what he does well and "This summer, I've worked on my body a top scorer isn't a problem, but his teamwhat he needs to work on. He lost about 23 to get cut up," Warren said. "I feel amazmates will have to still give him help. pounds to reach 217, which will help his ing right now, and my knees don't hurt as "T.J. Warren cannot be Erick Green of quickness, agility and stamina, and ease the much. I'm quicker, faster and don't get Virginia Tech where he is scoring [25.0 pressure on his knees. tired as easily." points per game] and the rest of the guys He also better understands the need to Warren is expecting opponents to game struggle to score," Gottfried said. "I don't hit the defensive boards more — which plan against him this year and put their top want that, and that won't be healthy for our Wolfpack head coach Mark Gottfried has wing defender on him, which is much difteam. T.J. will score, but we need guys to also requested of him — and to improve as ferent from last year when teams worried step up alongside him." ■ 28 ■ the wolfpacker 26-28.TJ Warren.indd 28 10/22/13 12:25 PM