Warren earning respect and interest

Louisiana Select coach Mike Theus coached a youngster several years ago that was an inch or two too short for the high-majors but played with a great motor and hit the glass harder than anyone.

After leading the nation in rebounding for three straight years, Paul Millsap is now playing for the Utah Jazz. Theus thinks he might have an under the radar guy like Millsap on the roster this season in 6-foot-7 forward Storm Warren.

Hoop prospects seem to come out of nowhere each and every year from Louisiana. While Warren, a product of Richwoods High School in Monroe, isn't an overnight sensation as he's a member of the Rivals150, he earned the respect from his peers with his hard work and attention to rebounding at last weekend's Boo Williams Invitational.

Playing opposite side of the nation's top prospect Greg Monroe on the blocks, Warren was the garbage man around the cup and did a fine job of using his natural strength and long wingspan to collect loose balls and put in tip backs for scores.

After watching guys like Millsap, Tyrus Thomas, Brandon Bass, Tasmin Mitchell, Glen Davis, Kenny Cooper and others, Warren has a blueprint for success at the next level. If there is one theme he picked up from his state mates, it is go hard or go home.

"I play with the mindset of going all out," Warren said. "I feel like you have to play by leaving everything out on the court."

That mentality has attracted a number of high major schools. Warren said he has heard from Auburn, Connecticut, Florida, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Texas and Texas A&M (old staff).

"I haven't trimmed anything down yet. I'm still pretty open to everyone. I'm not closing the door to any school," Warren said. "I'll wait until after the summer and see who is there and then move on from that. No one stands out more than the other. There are just too many people."

Florida did make a good impression with Warren earlier in the month though.

"Billy Donovan text messaged me right before the National Championship game," Warren said. "That was pretty cool."

Warren is putting in the work to turn the text messages into offers. After the opening weekend of the grassroots circuit, Warren is off to a fine start.