What did an ACC Title & Final Four mean to NC State Legend TJ Warren? I caught up with the man who won the ACC Player of the Year Award in 2014 to get his take.
What was it like for you watching NC State go from the #10 seed in the ACC Tournament, to winning the Championship, to going to the Final Four?
I’m a second generation Wolfpack basketball player. Wolf blood runs through my veins, so to be able to witness a ride like that was truly amazing.
What did this run say about Kevin Keatts and these players? In what ways did you see them adapt, change or persevere?
I think that is speaks to the heart that the players have. As a 10th seed in the ACC tournament, it’s easy to pack it in and look towards the offseason, but they did the opposite. They bonded together over adversity and that’s what made them so endearing. Hard work in the face of adversity, that’s something that Wolfpack fans can relate to.
As one of the best players to ever wear the Red & White, what did this run mean to you personally?
As I mentioned earlier, NCSU hoops has been in my family for a long time, so it meant a whole lot personally. This run definitely took me back to some of the fond memories I have of putting on the Red & White and playing in front of a packed house at the PNC.
What was the most memorable moment for you?
I think Mike’s shot to tie the game at the end of regulation. It just felt like destiny at that point. Anytime you get to beat UNC and Duke days apart is special too.
How do you think this run can change things for the NC State Basketball program going forward?
I think that it puts us back on the national radar where we belong. After a magical run like that, I think it makes players want to be a part of that. A run like that reinvigorates a program definitely.
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Warren is 1 of only 6 NC State players to ever be named the ACC Player of the Year. In his Sophomore season, Warren was named a 2nd Team All-American by Sporting News and the AP. He averaged 24.9 points per game, which is the 5th best mark in a single season in NC State history. Warren scored 871 points that year, which is the most points ever scored in a single season by a Wolfpack player.
TJ was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 14th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
wolfpack74 I think Gott needs to have a frank convo with him. Kyle should have been in there in the second half more. Especially once we saw how he affected the game in the first half. Gott needs to tell Kyle just improve on your defense and you’ll get a lot more playing time next year. We need Kyle he bust zones wide open and boy is it good to have depth with the big men. So I really really hope Kyle stays.
Texas just fired coach Barnes. They have recruited 2 four stars players that might become available if they wish to leave and Texas grant them their release. One is Eric Davis whom we were after. The other is a pg rated higher than Davis. Someone tell Gott.
wormncsu The top guys are not coming to NC State in 2015. Maybe we can get some good recruits for 2016.
The author is correct about the mistakes that Gott made last night. Kyle should have been in there for offense. The small amount of time that he played was much more productive than Turner, Abu, Anya or Freeman. He needs to have a frank conversion with Gott or get the hell out of Raleigh.
We beat UNC, duke, Louisville, Syracuse, make the sweet sixteen by beating a #1 seed. I think this team did way more than anyone thought they would. Yes the loss and the way we lost is disappointing but come on people this is the best 4 year stretch we have had in ages. Also for those who said when Gottfried was hired that in four years sendeck would have a better program than State well look where he is now. I agree Gottfried does some questionable things but where he has brought this program should be applauded. I think the… Read more »