There’s no off switch when Vic Metro powerhouse Denver Warry is on the basketball court.
Listed in the U16 National Championships program at 191cm, the Frankston teen appears far taller in person and that, coupled with a brute strength and a relentless desire to grab every rebound possible, make him a fearsome proposition for opposing teams.
One moment in Metro’s easy win over Queensland South epitomised his fearsome approach to the game.
Up by 49 points with five minutes to go in the game, anyone could have been forgiven for taking the foot off the gas. Not Warry. He went to the offensive glass and, among three Queenslanders, ripped down the rebound to give his team an extra possession, before hitting the deck hard.
“There’s no off switch for the boards, we’ve got a philosophy, tag ups, so every time it’s up, it’s going to be mine at some point,” Warry said of his approach.
“We’ve got to go get boards and that’s for everyone and I think that’s how we blew them out, by crashing the glass.”
Warry is one of a number of key cogs in the highly-talented but very even Metro team that is undefeated through four games and has emerged as one of the red hot favourites to claim gold at this year’s championships in Perth.
Five Vics average 10 points or better and five grab four or more boards per game. He says that spread of contributors is a nightmare for opposition coaches because if they focus on stopping one player, the Metro team has so many others who can step up.
“It makes it hard for the scout,” he said.
“It’s a ‘me for we’ type thing at Vic and I think that’s what has really made us become 4-0 at the moment.”
Warry, after missing out on the nationals as a bottom-ager, is embracing his time in WA, averaging 16.5 points, 6.25 rebounds and shooting 55 per cent from the field.
“I got cut for bottom-age 16s last year, it was a tough moment for me but really made me realise what level this is,” he said.
“I got to work on things I didn’t think (about). (My) guard skills (and) shooting (have) both improved since last year and that’s a big learning curve.
“I just worked hard and I’m here now, which I’m really happy (about) and I’m going to make every opportunity count.”
Mum Roxanne’s the word for Denver “she’s my biggest supporter, I love her to bits” and it was under the guidance of veteran Frankston Blues and Vic nationals system coach Scotty Christiansen.
“Scotty took me in when I was in U14s and opened my eyes to all this Vic stuff and told me he can get me here. He’s just been instrumental to who I am,” Denver said.
“He’ll tell me straight up if I’m doing something wrong and if I can improve, and that’s how he’s done it with me.”
It’s easy to see why he looks to NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo as an example. He’s well-spoken and has a quiet confidence, just like the Milwaukee Bucks MVP and champion.
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