Coming into the 2013-2014 season, everyone familiar with NC State's program knew that rising sophomore TJ Warren was going to be the focal point of a young team with no expectations. Warren certainly was the focal point, but not just for the Wolfpack. By the end of the season, he was the focus (from an individual standpoint) of the entire league. No player had to be game planned for more than #TonyBuckets. Despite this, the star sophomore won the ACC Player of the Year. And while the way the season ended will not leave a good taste in anyone's mouth, it exceeded expectations and helped land Warren among the greatest to ever don the Wolfpack colors.
While there have been some talented players suit up in the Red and White recently, Warren gives NC State their first bonafide star since Julius Hodge. Not coincidentally, Hodge was the last Pack player to win the top player award in 2004. The last name Warren will forever hang in the rafters at PNC Arena (or whatever its name will be in the future) for his accomplishments. Beyond being one of six Wolfpackers to ever win the ACC Player of the Year, the star sophomore secured his place in history with the most points in a season in State history, passing David Thompson with 871. Warren enjoyed an individual season unseen by any Pack fan born in the last two generations.
In terms of importance to the program, TJ Warren's season will certainly leave a mark. As someone who follows recruiting, I can not tell you how many stories that I have read where the prospect grew up a fan of Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, etc., because of a popular player or two. He is the type of player that can leave a mark on future recruits who have watched him at an impressionable age. While NC State has always been a school capable of luring good recruits, but pointing to a marquee name makes it that much easier. He will be another known face on the walls of the Dail Center when bringing in prospective members of the program.
Scout.com's Rob Harrington used the word "epic" to describe TJ Warren's sophomore season, and it would be hard to argue with him. The season will be one to remember for all associated with the Wolfpack basketball program thanks to the heroic efforts of Tony Buckets. Hopefully Pack fans will forget how the season ended and will acknowledge the utter rarity that they witnessed this year
