Torin Dorn: "They Are A Very Deep Team"

NC State senior guard Torin Dorn met with the media to discuss the upcoming game against Florida State.

Where do you think your career would be if you hadn't transferred to NC State?
That's a tough question. I don't know. I try not to look back and I try to just move forward. I really don't know.

Wouldn't you be on the beach a lot?
Why would I be on the beach a lot?

You'd probably be at Miami?
Oh, maybe.

How beneficial has it been to your career to go through what you've gone through here?
It's been huge for me, my development as a basketball player, and my development as a person. Being able to go through adversity and weather any storm... four coaches, two schools... being on winning teams, losing teams.

Invaluable lessons have been learned.

What would your advice be to someone considering transferring?
My best advice would be to pick a place you'd go regardless of basketball. Basketball is a super important thing and a prerequisite, but pick a place where you feel the environment fits you and you'll be happy regardless of this coach or that coach.

You never know what can happen.

Do you like having a break like this in the season?
It's good to definitely re-charge and get some rest. Coming down the stretch we've played a lot of games and a lot of practices so to get your body right and be fresh.

Bracket watching, do you pay attention to any of that noise?
I try not to, but it's tough. It's all over Sportscenter and ESPN, so it's tough to not pay attention, but we're focused on every game going down the stretch.

We know that each game plays a pivotal role in where we'll be seeded and if we make it to the tournament.

How much does it energize the team late in the season when you know you're really playing for something?
It's big... you go into every practice or weight lifting session with a different focus because you know you're playing for a goal.

Is Florida State the hardest team to remember all of their rotation?
Yes, they play a lot of guys. They are a very deep team, a long team, and pretty versatile. They play a lot of different lineups.

You have to be dialed in to the scouting report and know who you're guarding.

How much more difficult does it make it with their depth?
I don't know.  I feel like we play similar styles, pressure defensively, things like that. I think it will be a game of speed vs. size and length. I definitely think it will be a fun matchup to see who comes out on top.

Tempo thoughts...
That will be big for us. We love to push the tempo, push the pace, and make it a fullcourt track meet.

What's your strategy against someone so much longer and taller?
You have to use your speed and quickness. What they have in size they'll lack in speed and agility, so you have to use your strengths against them.

How does it change your approach with a team with size?
When you have a team with shotblockers you have to go with authority, into their chest, and neutralize their jumping ability. Or you can pull up in front of them, use your float game, mid-range game.

You have to go with a different approach but still be aggressive.