All Grown Up: Jameel Warney Is Ready to Lead Stony Brook | One-Bid

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AMERICA EAST FEATURES All Grown Up: Jameel Warney is ready to lead Stony Brook by Doric Sam November 12, 2014

ince Jameel Warney first stepped on the court in a S Stony Brook uniform in 2012, his maturity on offense was evident. Even as a freshman the 6’8” 260-pound brick- house had the confidence to back opponents down in the low-post and unleash ferocious spins and drop-steps that forced opposing players to whither into oblivion. “Grown-Man Moves,” I like to call them; Warney’s combination of brute power and subtle finesse in the post created an offensive skill set way beyond his years. Now a junior on a Seawolves team with no seniors, his maturity off the court will have to match his presence on it to lead the Seawolves to the elusive promise land of the NCAA Tournament. Last year Stony Brook was yet again on the cusp of earning its first trip to the NCAA Tournament, but fell to Albany at home in the America East Championship game — the final game at the cozy confines of Pritchard Gymnasium. Their regular-season performance earned a berth in the College Basketball Invitational, a far cry from where they were hoping to be, and they lost in the first round to Siena. The disappointing end to last season ended the run of one of Stony Brook’s best senior classes in 1,000-point scoring guards Dave Coley and Anthony Jackson and defensive-stalwart big men Eric McAlister and Anthony Entering his junior year, the fate of Stony Brook basketball Mayo. When the final buzzer sounded in that CBI game a rests on the large shoulders of Jameel Warney. OBW Photo / torch was passed, and it was handed directly to Warney. Sam Perkins It’s his team now — no senior leader to lean on or defer to. The only man he can depend on this year is the one in the mirror staring back at him. He’s the alpha-male now, the leader of the (sea)wolf-pack, if you will. It’s a feeling he has embraced, a role he’s ready for. “I have to step on the court every day, and know I’m the best player,” Warney said of the difference in his mindset this year. “I have to play like I’m the best player.” Warney is the reigning America East Player of the Year after averaging 14.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting 61.6 percent from the field, which ranked fifth in the country. But that wasn’t enough to lead the Seawolves to the NCAAs — and somehow his intimidating numbers somehow seemed underwhelming when compared to his immense talent. So Warney spent the full summer on campus for the first time in hopes of taking his game to a higher level. He dropped

converted by Web2PDFConvert.com five pounds while simultaneously adding muscle, looking quicker and more explosive than ever, while adding versatility to his offensive attack. “Last year I was easy to guard: Just double-team me in the post,” Warney admitted. “Now, you have to find me everywhere on the court.” “He’s improved his work-ethic, he practices better, and he’s taking on more leadership things, which hasn’t been his personality in the past,” Stony Brook head coach Steve Pikiell said. “So we’re pleased with his progress and his improvements, he handles the ball better, he shoots the ball better, he’s in better shape, he can play for longer minutes. He has to have a really good year this year; there’s no Mayo behind him, there’s no Tommy Brenton or Eric McAlister next to him. He has to be consistent, he has to become those guys.” Brenton and McAlister became team-captains who led by example and with their voices, something the shy giant from Plainfield, New Jersey hasn’t had to do up until this point. But now Warney’s voice can be heard throughout practice as he attacks every drill with enthusiasm, showing the younger players how it’s done. “Jameel is a quiet kid, he really is, and I’m proud of him, he’s come along way. He’s come out of his shell in a lot of ways, he’s really grown up, he’s really matured. Being around more this summer and just stopping by the office more, he’s changed in that way too,” Pikiell said. “Early on he would do his thing, he would work hard and come to practice and kinda was in his own place. Now he’s opened up more, more people know him, he shares his life more and I’m real proud of that growth he’s made, personally.” Warney said he and fellow New Jersey-native Carson Puriefoy III, the junior point guard who has the most on-court experience on the team besides the big man, will shoulder the load of leading the younger players together. “This year I have to be more mature for the team, me and Tre have to be leaders to help the younger guys get up to speed with the defensive calls and the offensive calls,” he said. “I feel like me and Tre are ready for the job.” Stony Brook was selected to finish atop the America East in the preseason poll for the first time in program history. Warney and Puriefoy were selected to the preseason all- conference team, the only pair of teammates to earn the honor. Expectations continue to grow from a fan-base that is beginning to see every season as “NCAA Tournament or bust.” But the Seawolves have lost four starters from last year’s team and inexperienced freshmen will be relied on heavier than ever before. Questions about the team’s defense arose last year after taking a step back from being the defensive powerhouse it was in previous years. But the one constant that remains is Warney, who is now arguably even scarier than he was before. He’s accepted his role as a leader and embraces the expectations that are put on him, confidently shrugging off the pressure to be the one to take Stony Brook to the big dance. “Every year is the same goal for everybody, so if we want to go to the tournament we just have to win,” he said. “And that’s fine.” Warney is close to unstoppable on the blocks. OBW Photo / Doric Sam is a New York City-based writer who covers the Sam Perkins America East and Ivy League for One-Bid Wonders. Follow him on Twitter at @doricsam83.

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