--More important than blindly hustling is knowing what you're working for.
While many, including the young man himself, commend Jameel Warney for his effort on the floor, it's his court awareness that truly makes him an elite rebounder.
Often shorter than the player he's battling, Warney uses his weight and wingspan to manipulate his opponent. That alone is nothing special, nor new. Most NBA big men have learned to use their God given size to dominate their opponent.
Where Warney differs is that he has the rare ability to force his opponent into an inferior position. Blindly watch and you'll see a player who muscles through his opponent for a rebound.
Take a closer look, and you'll see a player who knows the exact position he wants to be in, and the exact position his opponent doesn't.
More times than not Warney will take the shortest route to a rebound, while nudging his opponent just enough that he ends up in an inferior position. There's effort with a purpose, maximizing his physical abilities through an ability to determine where the ball is going to end up, and how to prevent his opponent from controlling the area.
Warney's ability to control his opponent goes far beyond the one and one matchup. He's often able to manipulate his man to put his teammates in the best possible position to succeed in the paint, whether it's rebounding or scoring.
Where some see a player using effort and force, I see a player who uses court awareness that few in the game possess.
Warney is often playing chess, while his opponent is playing checkers.
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