Speed Wins

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA -- Speed wins. Just ask Jamual Warren, an explosive 6-1, 190 pound shooting/combo guard from Holyoke H.S. in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Warren put his speed on display this past weekend at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions event.

Warren first advanced his team, the Playaz Black, to the final with a stunning defeat of the deep and talented Worldwide Renegades. Warren hit a driving, twisting layup with about three seconds left to give the Playaz the win. Then Warren led his team past the Baltimore Select in the Final. This gave the Playaz basketball program a sweep of the Gibbons tournament.

"Memphis is showing the most interest right now," Warren said. "They are working me hard. But there are other schools I am interested in too."

Warren has five schools atop his early list. Warren told the Insiders Report/Rivalshoops.com that Providence, St. John's, Seton Hall, Louisville and Memphis are among his early favorites. He is also listing UMass, Maryland, Wake Forest, Oklahoma and Connecticut.

Warren said he has been offered thus far by Seton Hall, and has already taken unofficial visits to UMass, UConn, Providence, St. John's, Seton Hall, Maryland and Memphis.

Warren put up big numbers this season at Holyoke, where he said he averaged 22.3 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists and four steals per contest after transferring into the public school ranks from Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass.

An explosive athlete who thrives in up tempo situations, Warren is still fine tuning his perimeter shot. But his constant motor and slashing ability make him a difficult assignment for any defense.

Warren will continue to tour the spring and summer circuit with Jimmy Salmon's T5T Playaz basketball program, and also plans to attend the adidas ABCD Camp.

"I'm open," Warren said. "But right now Memphis seems to be the most interested."

Memphis certainly knows what it's doing because Warren can be a great weapon in an uptempo offense as indicated by this past weekend.