Prospect Spotlight: Jalen Warley (2021)
Jalen Warley, a class of 2021 guard from the Westtown School (PA), was a key contributor for 15U Team Durant (DC) this AAU Season. The long-limbed, versatile 6-foot-2 guard thrived in a variety of roles throughout the spring and summer. Warley discussed those roles along with his overall game, current recruitment, and other topics during a recent interview with Prep Hoops.
PH: How did you see your role grow over the course of the AAU season?
JW: “Over the course of the AAU season I played a lot of different roles and positions for my team. My role was everything in between of a scoring wing to a facilitating point guard.”
PH: What do you anticipate your role to be with your high school team this season?
JW: “I anticipate a versatile role during my sophomore year at Westtown. I know that the coaching staff will put me in a variety of positions and roles.”
PH: What was the biggest lesson you learned during the AAU season?
JW: “I learned a lot skills this year that will help me all through my basketball career. Coming from Philly, I only get a limited time to practice and understanding everybody’s skill set. Hopefully I will be able to use this when I’m playing with all my future teammates.”
PH: What aspects of your game would you consider to be underrated?
JW: “I think it’s hard to see from spectating position but I think my biggest attribute is my IQ. I’ve always been surrounded by basketball and have played the game from my shoulders up.”
PH: What aspects of your game are you working on?
JW: “I’m working on my overall consistency. While playing multiple positions and roles is great, as a coach you need to know what your player can bring you every night. I’m continuing to add a little bit of everything, but I’m still searching for my identity.”
PH: What is the best piece of coaching advice you’ve ever received, and who was it from?
JW: “My dad always told me that I everything out there is mental. If you’re playing chess and everybody else is playing checkers, then you will always out play your opponent.”
PH: How are your grades right now?
JW: “My grades are good. All A’s and B’s.”
PH: Are any schools recruiting you at this point?
JW: “Howard University.”
PH: What are your short and long term goals?
JW: “My short-term goal is to maximize this last month of summer, and improve my game as much as I can. My long term goal is to not have to stress about what college I attend; I just want to have the luxury of attending the school that is the best fit for me.”
PH: What do you think you can bring to a program at the next level down the road?
JW: “A high-IQ point guard who can bring great length, and has the skill set to be a floor general.”
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