By Tom Ballato

Jameel Warney played at Stony Brook from 2012-2016. After going undrafted in 2016, Jameel has played for the Texas Legends, an affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. He also played for Team USA at the 2017 FIBA AmeriCup, where he was named MVP. Warney signed a 10-day contract with the Mavericks and recently performed in China in the NBL. He is home now and is currently a free agent. It was just announced in September 2018 that Jameel would participate in the Team USA World Cup Qualifying Team’s training camp.

Here is our interview with Warney.

First off, what made you choose Stony Brook?              

I chose Stony Brook because of the family atmosphere they had. They also made me a priority since my sophomore year in high school. They went to all of my AAU games and most of my high school games, so it was without a doubt a good choice for me to go there.

Your senior year, how was your team able to come back and win the American East, not only after the crushing loss to Albany the year before, but after being down to Vermont by double digits at the half?

I think the best part of the four years I was there. We grew a lot. We grew together as a team, trying to accomplish a goal that was never accomplished at Stony Brook. Those two games were turning points for us. The loss to Albany was definitely a gut punch, but we knew how close we were to achieving our dreams, so the following year, we wouldn’t let anything come in between us and winning the championship.

What was Stony Brook’s 1st NCAA Tournament experience like?

It was definitely a great experience. Even though it was a short trip, we enjoyed ourselves and had the opportunity to play against Kentucky, which was one of the best teams in the country.

The road you have taken to get where you are today, both through the G-League and Team USA, how did that prepare you for the NBA?

It prepared me a lot. From playing in the G-league to Team USA, I learned a lot from the coaches and the players, which I use to help me to be a better player now.

What was it like getting that call that you received a 10-day contract from Dallas?

It was an unbelievable experience to finally make it to the league. Even though it was a few days, I learned a lot from the Dallas Mavericks.

Throughout your career, who are a few of your favorite teammates?

I loved all my teammates for my four years there. They are definitely people who I consider family, and we still keep in touch to this day. My three favorite teammates would have to be Eric McAllister, Tyrell Sturdivant, and Scott King.

You are currently a free agent. What’s next in your career?

I am still figuring that part out with my agent. We have a lot of options, so right now. I’m just taking my time to enjoy the off-season and to get better.

Jameel has a chance to prove himself again with Team USA playing for Coach Jeff Van Gundy. Hopefully, this gives him enough exposure to get another call to play in the NBA again. Once before, he has proved himself time will only tell, but Jameel Warney’s skillset is enough for him to have a role in the NBA.