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Stony Brook University’s first-ever athlete to make it to the NBA is headed back to New York, but not on his own terms.
Jameel Warney, who has spent three seasons with the NBA G League’s Texas Legends, was traded to the Westchester Knicks on Tuesday.
And as excited as he is to come home, he’s not as thrilled about being traded for Xavier Rathan-Mayes, a player who is currently playing in Greece.
“I gave it all I have, all the emotion in the world,” Warney told Newsday about his time in Texas. “I’m turning 25 in a few weeks and I’ve got to start preparing for the future.”
Warney — Stony Brook’s all-time leader in points, rebounds and blocks — has seen many ups and downs over the last year.
After averaging 19.9 points and 9.6 rebounds in 2017-18 with the Legends, he was promoted to the Dallas Mavericks with a 10-day contract. The 6-8, 260-pounder played in three games and averaged 5.7 points and 3 rebounds per game.
But when his contract expired, he wasn’t re-signed. He later signed with a pro club in China before re-signing with the Legends this season.
Warney’s goal remains the same today: sign with an NBA team.
And the Plainfield, N.J., native will have plenty of plenty of opportunities to make the Knicks’ big club team, which is currently in a rebuilding year with a record of 10-30.
“I think I can make it to [an NBA] team,” said Warney. “I pray every day. I put work in every day to try to get that position.
“If that time comes, I’ll be ready for it.”
Top: Jameel Warney during his playing days at Stony Brook University. (Credit: Stony Brook Athletics)
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Jameel Warney becomes the first Stony Brook alum to reach the NBA
