Jan. 12, 2004
The Illinois men's basketball team has three great additions this year in the likes of Brian Randle, Richard McBride, and a 6-foot, 9-inch freshman sporting the No. 41 jersey of the Orange and Blue by the name of Warren Carter. These newcomers bring to the Illini a mix of athleticism as well as an excitement and willingness to learn that will serve them well during their careers in Champaign.
In the case of Warren Carter, he comes to the University of Illinois from Dallas, Texas, and a family of two brothers, Kevin and Joshua, and his mother, Kamela Carter.
Carter attended Lake Highland High School where he played basketball and enjoyed a number of achievements. He hopes the success he experienced throughout his high school career will carry over to his collegiate career at Illinois. He especially enjoys playing in front of the Orange Krush at Assembly Hall.
When speaking to Carter, he comes across as well-spoken, thoughtful and intelligent. Asked what he hopes to accomplish at the University of Illinois, Carter replies, "I hope to help the team progress and get better each year and also to personally build character."
It might come as a surprise to those who knew Carter when he was young that he is playing Division I basketball. Back in junior high, he was less than six feet tall and had more of an interest in football than basketball.
Then came high school. During Carter's sophomore year he shot up to 6-5 and earned a spot on the varsity basketball team. This is when Carter, under the guidance of his high school coach Rob Wiley, whom he credits as having the most influence on his athletic career, began to think about playing college basketball.
"I had a great relationship with him (Wiley)," Carter said. "He supported me since day one of my basketball career and was there anytime I needed to talk. He even helped me out with some of my college decisions."
During Carter's junior year of high school he was a consensus Top-100 recruit, averaging 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots per game. He built on this success his senior year, averaging 25.6 points, 12.3 rebounds and 5.2 blocks per game en route to earning honors such as: Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-State selection, Dallas area Defensive Player of the Year, Dallas Morning News All-Area pick, and Texas Class 5A Player of the Year. During his senior season, he compiled a total of 788 points, 77 steals, 371 rebounds and 143 blocks. Carter also played AAU ball with the Ft. Worth Lions under coach Mike Hatch, the same team on which current teammate Deron Williams once played.
Off the court, Carter enjoys playing volleyball and listening to music. He also spends a lot of time hanging out with Randle and McBride, his freshmen teammates. When asked who has been the most helpful as far as giving him advice amongst his teammates, Carter credits Randle.
"Brian, because that's who I spend a lot of time with," Carter said. "He's been real helpful. Brian is a low key guy and very smart. He has helped me out with a lot of things."
Carter, who like virtually all freshmen had his homesick moments last fall, has nonetheless enjoyed the college experience thus far.
"I was here over Thanksgiving, so I was homesick that day but overall it's been fun." Carter said. "I expected to have fun at college and these guys have made it just that."
He also expresses surprise at how fast the time goes when you're in college.
"When you first get here you feel like you have a lot of time," Carter said. "Then you realize that you don't really have any time because of all the responsibilities. When you get something done you realize there's something else coming. Everything seems to go really fast. I can't believe we're already starting the second semester."
Carter's dream in life is to play professionally someday. "The dream, of course, for everyone is to be playing somewhere professionally, but more importantly, I just want to be in a position where I'm happy with my life and don't have to worry about anything," said Carter.
