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October 1, 2012

Lake commits to MSU for basketball

By Chad Courrier Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO — When T.J. Lake was working to change and improve his shooting stroke, he forced himself to make 1,000 shots per day, five days a week during the summers before his freshman and sophomores seasons.

The result of that offseason program is that he's now a 41-percent shooter from 3-point range.

“I saw a lot of improvement,” said Lake, who has committed to join the men's basketball program at Minnesota State. “This summer, I worked on getting stronger and improving other parts of my game.

The 5-foot-11 guard from Western Dubuque (Iowa) High School will sign a national letter of intent during the early period in November. He said he had been recruited by Northern Iowa, Nebraska-Omaha, Albany, California-Davis, Northwest Missouri State and most of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference programs.

He visited the campus during last season's Midnight Madness practice, then he came here again Sept. 8 when he committed.

“I really developed a good relationship with the coaches, and it's a great facility,” Lake said. “When I visited, I enjoyed spending time with the guys.”

Last season, Lake averaged 17.7 points, shooting 49.3 percent from the field, including 41.0 percent on 3-pointers. He made 69.0 percent on free throws and averaged 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals. Western Dubuque assistant coach Wayne Cusick said that Lake is especially proud of his one blocked shot.

“Mankato is getting a heckuva kid,” Cusick said. “He's guarded every position except the post. When he's on the court, he'll do what it takes to get the job done.”

Lake led Western Dubuque to a runner-up finish at the Iowa Class 3A tournament and was named to the all-state first team.

“We play an up-tempo style, just like MSU,” Lake said. “I can score, and I think I can defend in college.”

The Mavericks, who begin practice Oct. 13, have just one senior on the team: transfer Jarvis Williams. Coach Matt Margenthaler can't comment on any recruits until they've signed a latter of intent.

Lake said he's happy to have his college decision made before his senior season begins.

“I'm really excited to get this done,” he said.

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