The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/947448
54 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY JACEY ZEMBAL N C State redshirt junior Torin Dorn understands adapting to change better than most bas- ketball players. Dorn wouldn't know what it would be like to not have new situations, whether it is playing different positions or learning from new coaches. He has experi- enced the twists and turns of college sports, but has kept a positive attitude and is on pace to earn his degree in communications in May. The former Charlotte (N.C.) Vance High standout had a rock-steady experi- ence playing varsity basketball under head coach Will Robinson, but it has been an interesting ride since high school. The 6-5, 210-pound Dorn began his freshman year of college at Charlotte un- der head coach Alan Majors, but due to health concerns the 49ers played under interim coach Ryan Odom for most of the year. Majors eventually resigned and Dorn transferred to NC State. Dorn was able to learn from former Wolfpack head coach Mark Gottfried for two years, but once again went through a coaching change when Kevin Keatts was hired last March. Toss in playing AAU for the Chris Paul All-Stars and Team Loaded VA, he's had seven different head coaches since April 2013. Dorn admittedly believes players are somewhat used to taking such changes in stride, but admits there is definitely some- thing unique about Keatts this season. The Wolfpack have been one of the great stories in the ACC, rebounding from a 15-17 (4-14 ACC) campaign a year ago to improve to 20-9 overall and 10-6 in the league through Feb. 28. "He has always preached that we are not that team and a totally different team," Dorn said. "It's a real culture shock getting used to one way of life and then you have a total switch. "It's almost like transferring again, only you are in the same colors. With a new coaching staff comes new expectations and new rules." The former prep point guard has also settled in surprisingly well as a small-ball power forward that can also play the two wing spots if needed. "With kids today, if you can show them Dorn averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while helping the Wolfpack to a 20-9 overall record and a 10-6 mark in the ACC through Feb. 28. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN Torin Dorn's Career Statistics Year School MIN FG-FGA FG% 3PM-3PA 3P% FT-FTA FT% RPG APG STL BPG PPG 2014-15 Charlotte 27.5 4.6-9.1 .505 0.8-2.5 .342 2.0-3.0 .656 3.7 1.3 0.6 0.1 12.0 2016-17 NC State 24.0 3.6-7.1 .500 0.8-2.1 .364 1.7-2.4 .679 4.6 0.8 0.4 0.1 9.5 2017-18* NC State 28.6 5.3-9.9 .535 0.7-2.1 .306 2.3-3.2 .728 6.2 1.3 1.1 0.4 13.6 * Through 29 games CONSISTENT PERFORMER Torin Dorn Is Thriving While Helping NC State Push For A Postseason Berth