Lewenberg: Ross' new look bodes well for NBA future When we last saw Terrence Ross, the Raptors' soon-to-be third year swingman, he seemed understandably dejected after sleep walking through his first NBA playoff series. As TSN 1050's Josh Lewenberg writes, it was a humbling experience for the wide-eyed 23-year-old and one that inspired him for the summer months that followed.

Josh Lewenberg TSN Raptors Reporter Follow|Archive

TORONTO - When we last saw Terrence Ross, the Raptors' soon-to-be third year swingman, he seemed understandably dejected after sleep walking through his first NBA playoff series.

It was a humbling experience for the wide-eyed 23-year-old, a reminder of how much work is required to excel at the highest level of his profession and one that stayed with him for the summer months that followed.

How often did he think about it?

"Everyday."

As training camp opened in Toronto earlier this week, he returned to a familiar environment. The roster, aside from a few minor tweaks, remains relatively untouched while the primary cogs in Dwane Casey's rotation appear unchanged, at least for the time being.

The most noticeable difference has been Ross, himself.

Often the first or second player out the door after practice, a shy young man that has been known to keep his time in front of the camera short and sweet, Ross both looked and sounded like a different person when he spoke to the media for over seven minutes on Monday.

Physically, he's come to camp with an additional 15 pounds of muscle he put on during the summer, per request of the coaching staff.

"I ate everything in sight," he said with a smile. "I tried to lift as much as I could. When I got [back to Toronto] I kind of tried to double that. I try to lift after every time I [play a] game. After every drill, I go back to the weight room and do a quick set of something. I'm just trying to constantly lift and trying to keep this size."

The added strength will come in handy as Ross continues the transition to playing at the three-position, alongside DeMar DeRozan on the wing and defending bigger, more physical opponents. During Toronto's seven-game series with Brooklyn, Ross - like the rest of his teammates - was overpowered by the Nets' Joe Johnson, a player with roughly 45 pounds and 11 years of experience on the young Raptor.

Further to his size, Ross projected an air of confidence. His posture was better, his voice deeper, he was chatty, reflective and, most importantly, accountable. Ross took responsibility for the final possession of Game 7, a broken play that resulted in Kyle Lowry's floater getting blocked at the rim, citing his poor spacing.

Both Casey and general manager Masai Ujiri said they've seen the maturation in Ross throughout the summer. A year ago at this time he said he still felt like a rookie but now, entering his third NBA season, he understands that youth is no longer a viable excuse.

"I don't feel like a rookie [anymore]," he told TSN.ca. "I feel like one of the younger guys but I don't feel like a rookie. I've been in too many situations and I've had enough playing time so I can't use that excuse anymore. So everything going forward is just manning up and taking it. If I mess up than I mess up, but right now I feel like I'm a different player and I've got to do a lot more than I did last year."

He sounded different, but not unfamiliar. Why is that?

"I just feel like wherever I am currently, I can always get better from that," Ross said. "I feel like even where I'm at now, I feel like there's a lot more to go. No matter how long I'm playing I'm always going to feel like there's something I can do to get better. I'm never going to be complacent or content where I'm at."

"I just took it upon myself to just go a little further than what I did last year, and that's going to be my new thing, just do a little more than you did last year."

This has long been the mantra of DeRozan, his self-made all-star teammate and mentor.

Even at the age of 25, DeRozan, has taken on a leadership role with Ross, a player he can easily relate to. Prior to coming out of his shell over the last few seasons, DeRozan was just as timid. The one thing he's never lacked is a work ethic, something he believes is rubbing off on the younger Ross. The two spent most of the summer working out together in LA and Las Vegas.

"Normally I always try to work out by myself," DeRozan admitted. "But as soon as we started working out at the beginning of the summer, I wanted to be with Terrence a lot to really push him and push him to another level so he could really see how hard I worked, and show him what it takes to be at that next level."

Could Ross keep up?

"Nah, he couldn't keep up," DeRozan joked. "He was close though."

"It's hard to explain," said Ross, "but once you're on the court and you're with DeMar, he helps me break things down or he explains things to me that a coach or a different player couldn't explain. I mean, he's on my team, he's at the same position, he's a rising all-star. So just to have that type of advice it helps more than you can really explain."

When DeRozan made his annual appearance at the Drew League, a summertime invitational in LA, he brought Ross along. "He always told me he wanted to come out there and play, and kept begging me and kept begging me," DeRozan said, later confirmed by Ross.

"I asked DeMar, even before we left Toronto [at the end of] the season. I was like, 'man I'm trying to play on your Drew League [team], get me on your Drew League [team]'. When I [saw] him in the summer I was like, 'man get me on your Drew League [team], I need to be on your Drew League [team].'"

When DeRozan travelled to the Philippines for an NBA showcase in July, he would check in with Ross to ensure his protégé was being consistent with his workout regiment.

"Just pushing him and seeing how far he came this summer makes me feel like a proud big brother, so to speak," DeRozan continued. "Because I understand how good Terrence is and what he can do for us."

"Eventually, I'm trying to get to where he's at and right now it's just going to take time," Ross said of his teammate. "He's done it all, he's seen it all. So right now I'm just trying to pick his brain and do the things he did when he was in my position to be successful."

If you're going to hitch your wagon to someone, DeRozan is a wise choice. Ross, entering a crucial third season with the Raptors, has two years left on his rookie scale contract but is eligible for an extension next summer.

In many ways Ross blossomed with increased playing time following the trade of Rudy Gay last winter. Known for his smooth shooting stroke, electrifying dunks and unexpected 51-point explosion, he found a niche as a corner three-point specialist and lively perimeter defender as a sophomore. Overall, the team had a record of 29-12 when Ross reached double figures in scoring. Casey has taken notice, recently suggesting that Ross could be in line for more designed play calls and late-game opportunities this season.

With the return of James Johnson, a bigger and more experienced defender, the leash on Ross may be shorter than it was a year ago, despite higher expectations. The key for him will continue to be consistency and effort on the defensive end.

"It's really a big season for [Ross]," Lowry acknowledged. "I think he's in that line of figuring out what he is and what he's going to be. I think he's prepared for that. Me as a veteran leader, I'm going to make sure he knows what it's about, what it is."

"My job now," DeRozan added, "is to make sure [he] brings it every single night. And push [him]. You can't get tired, you can't get fatigued, you can't make excuses, you can't do none of this no more. You're not young no more, you're in the league, [he's] played at a high level, so there's no more excuses. It's just for me to bring that potential I know that [he has] out of him."