Warren Jabali

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Warren Jabali (born August 29, 1946 in Kansas City, Kansas) is a retired American basketball player. He played professionally in the now-defunct American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1968 to 1975.

Born Warren Edward Armstrong, Jabali changed his name while attending Wichita State University to reflect his African roots. The name does not have any religious connotations as it is a Swahili word for "rock." A skilled defender and rebounder and a remarkable leaper, the 6'2" Jabali could allegedly touch a basketball hoop (set ten feet above the ground) with his forehead [1]. Since he attended a relatively small college, he did not receive much attention from the National Basketball Association (NBA), and he signed instead with the Oakland Oaks of the rival ABA. In his first season in the league, he won Rookie of the Year honors, prompting teammate Rick Barry to comment, "No doubt he's one of the best guards I've ever played with — or against" [2]. Later that season, Jabali averaged 33.2 points against the Indiana Pacers in the ABA Finals and was named Playoffs MVP.

In his seven-year professional career, Jabali also played for the Washington Capitals, the Indiana Pacers, The Floridians, the Denver Rockets, and the San Diego Conquistadors (few ABA teams lasted very long before going bankrupt or relocating; as a result, most ABA players could spend time with many different teams in a short amount of time). While playing for the Rockets in 1973, he was named the All-Star Game MVP and was named to the All-ABA First Team after averaging 17.0 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. Knee problems would soon limit his effectiveness, however, and he retired in 1975, having achieved career averages of 17.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 6.7 rebounds.