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Friday, August 14, 2009

Jeremy Spoke in Storrs Today


Whether or not Jeremy Lamb has the skills to play at UConn or any other top-notch Division I program remains to be seen, though by all accounts, the rangy, 6-foot-4 Class of 2010 guard – who is making an official visit to Storrs this weekend – could be a real sleeper.

What likely won't ever be questioned is Lamb's character.

His father, Rolando Lamb, a former standout at Virginia Commonwealth ('85) who played a couple of seasons in the CBA, runs an organization called The Making of Champions. Lamb, who dubs himself America's Character Coach, holds seminars, workshops and conferences and goes into schools preaching to coaches and athletes how to better themselves as people and as role models.

"Being a former professional athlete myself, I have a lot of wisdom and experience to share with them," Rolando said. "People think sports builds character, sports don't build character, it reveals character. The only thing that builds true character is daily consistent obedience to the word of God.

"I get a lot of coaches fussing to me about that, and I simply say two words to them: Dennis Rodman. Hey, he's going to go down as one of the greatest defenders and rebounders ever to play the game, but then I ask the coaches, 'Would you want your son or daughter to grow up to be like him.' You can name a lot of athletes like that …"

Mike Vick?

"In that situation, Mike Vick has paid his debt to society," Rolando said. "Should he have a second chance? Absolutely. So, hey, let's give it to him."

He continued: ""I believe it's important – to whom much is given, much is required. These athletes who have tremendous gifts, talents and abilities, they have a responsibility to be an example, and to give back."

So does Jeremy, going into his senior season at Norcross (Ga.) High adhere to his father's principles?

"Yes, sir," Jeremy said.

Jeremy averaged about 10 points per game last season coming off the bench and playing behind his brother, Zach, as well as Taariq Muhammed and Denzel Jones. Zach Lamb and Muhammed are both at Miami-Dade C.C., while Jones is at Division II Clark-Atlanta.

Lamb, who was escorted around campus on Friday by UConn assistant Patrick Sellers, is making his first official visit anywhere. He has unofficials slated for Georgia, Auburn and Clemson, and official set for Texas on the first weekend of September. So far, he likes what he sees at Storrs.

"I like the coaching staff, they seem cool. I like the environment: nice locker room, nice arena. It seems good."

Heading up north wouldn't be a problem for the Georgia kid, either.

"I just want to find the best fit. At first, I was second-guessing about distance. But it'd be good."

Lamb is very rangy – OK, let's be honest: he's rail-thin – and knows the area of his game he must improve upon the most.

"I need to get better at finishing around the rim. I get to the rim (well), but I need to get stronger at finishing. I'm a pretty good shooter, and I handle the ball well."

And, it seems, he has great character.

(Quiz time: Who sang the song that gives us the title to this post?)

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