SHAWNEE, OK – For most players in The Basketball League (TBL), they are looking for that one shot, that one moment, that one opportunity to play in the NBA. However, for Potawatomi Fire guard Willie Warren, he has been where most are trying to get and now he just wants to end his career on his own terms.

“I just want to say, ‘I went out the way I wanted to go,’” said Warren. “I didn’t get pushed out or forced out and I did everything I wanted to do and accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish.”

Warren, a McDonald’s All-American in 2008, had a decorated career at the University of Oklahoma. As a freshman, he was named the Big 12’s Freshman of the Year as he and the Sooners made a run to the Elite Eight in the 2009 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Following his sophomore year, Warren turned pro and was drafted in the second round of the NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, reuniting him with former OU teammate Blake Griffin.

Following a couple of seasons in the NBA, bouncing between the Clippers and the NBA G-League, Warren made the move overseas and made a name for himself as one of the top guns for hire. From 2012 through 2024, Warren played in 11 different countries, mostly in those countries’ best leagues.

While overseas opportunities were available, Warren decided to join the Fire for the 2026 TBL season. Warren said joining the Fire was an easy decision because of his friendship with Fire guard, and two-time TBL MVP, Chuck Guy.

Willie Warren (left) with longtime friend Chuck Guy (right)

“Chuck has always been a brother to me,” said Warren. “We’ve known each other since the younger days. Team Texas was our AAU team, but he was on the younger team, so we always knew of each other. I’ve always admired how hard he plays the game. So, I decided to give it one more try with Chuck and go out the right way.”

Warren knows his playing career is winding down and while he eventually wants to move into coaching, he knows he has a lot to offer this Fire team and that there’s a lot to accomplish this season.

“The Fire have three championships, so they know how to handle adversity, but this is a completely different team from the last three years,” Warren said. “I would like to be the one to help bring the guys together and help them stand on the championship foundation that’s been built here. Winning a championship is the standard here and I just want to help push these guys and this team to be the best that it can be.”

To hear more from Willie Warren, check out his interview on the Oklahoma Memo podcast.