CLICK HERE for all of the Hoops HD Preseason Articles, Interviews, and Conference Previews
We continue our 2016-17 season preview interview series with Stephen F. Austin JR SG Ty Charles. As a freshman he appeared in all 34 games and scored a team-high 14 PTS in the NCAA tourney against Utah. As a sophomore he made 31 starts and helped the Lumberjacks with their 29th straight home game, which remains the longest streak in the nation. As junior he will do his best to help the team win its 5th straight Southland Conference regular season title. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Ty about upsetting West Virginia in the NCAA tourney last March and getting a new head coach a couple of weeks later.
You grew up in Kennedale, TX: what made you choose the Lumberjacks? It is only a few hours away so it is close to home but not too far away. When I came to visit I loved the place and it felt like home.
You started 21 games as a freshman: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? I had to work my way up until I got a starting spot.
Last January you scored a career-high 25 PTS/11-12 FG in a win over Abilene Christian: was it just 1 of those scenarios where every shot you put up seemed to go in because you were “in the zone”? Before the game I remember our PG telling me to attack and everything just went my way.
Take me through the 2016 NCAA tourney:
You played 12 minutes in a 14-PT upset of #3-seed West Virginia: how were you able to destroy 1 of the best teams in the nation while only shooting 30.9 FG%? We just kept the pressure on them and stayed poised. Our coaches told us not to rush anything.
You scored 9 PTS in a 1-PT loss to Notre Dame: what did you learn from that game that you think can help you this year? I learned that we have to play until the final buzzer goes off!
Your 29-game home-court winning streak is the best in the nation: has it reached a point where your fans just expect you to win every time you step onto the court? Yes, but we just go out there to do what we have to do and take care of business.
Last year your team was top-25 in the nation in both PPG and PPG allowed: how do you balance your offense with your defense? We are in straight attack mode on offense and put the pressure on people when we are on defense.
You have a new coach this year in Kyle Keller: what is he like, and how has the transition been so far? It has been a real good transition so far and he has been very good to us.
Your non-conference schedule includes games against Kentucky/Arkansas/Tulsa: which of these games do you feel will present your biggest test? None of them: we will treat every game the same and just do our best.
You only have 1 senior on the roster: how much pressure is there on you to be a leader this year? It is a big change because we had a lot of senior leaders last year so I will just handle it the best way that I can.
What are your goals for the upcoming season, and what are your expectations for the upcoming season? We want to win our conference tourney to get another ring, and then hopefully get to that 2nd weekend in March.