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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 10:08 a.m., Thursday, April 2, 2009

Rainbow Warriors get commitment from 6-foot point guard

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

The recruiting season for the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team is off to a flying start with a commitment from a Jet of a point guard.

Jeremy Lay, a 6-foot point guard from Northern Oklahoma College at Enid, said he plans to sign a letter of intent to join the Rainbow Warriors in the 2009-10 season.

"I liked everything about Hawai'i — the coaches, the players, the atmosphere was amazing," Lay said. "But mostly, I like the fact that I'm going into a situation knowing that I have to make an impact right away."

Lay averaged 16.7 points, 6.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore this past season for the Jets. He also led the team with a .830 free throw percentage and 58 3-pointers.

"He's a point guard who can score," NOC-Enid head coach Greg Shamburg said. "He can shoot the 3, but he's also not afraid to take it inside. Hawai'i is getting a very good player."

Lay made an official visit to Hawai'i last weekend. His only other visit was to Missouri State, although he was also being recruited by Fresno State, Colorado State and South Alabama.

Lay averaged 13.1 points and 6.3 assists as a freshman at NOC-Enid. He finished his career as the program's all-time leader in scoring and assists. He also led the team in 3-pointers during both his seasons.

"I consider myself a decision-maker," Lay said. "You can't label me just a scorer or a passer, but I'll make the right decision either way. If you leave my open, I'll try to score. If you leave my teammates open, I'll try to help my teammates score."

Lay said he already talked about meshing with Hawai'i leading scorer Roderick Flemings during his visit last weekend.

"I know Flemings can score," Lay said. "I just need to learn to get him the ball where he needs it."

Lay, who is 185 pounds, said he makes up for his lack of height "with heart and strength."

"I know I have limits being only 6-foot," he said. "But Iım a competitor. Iım going to play hard no matter what."

The official signing period starts on April 15. Hawai'i head coach Bob Nash and his staff can not comment on recruits until the official letters are signed.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.