Justin Whitner | Staff Writer
Mark Sutton via HamptonPirates.com
After playing two-plus seasons at the collegiate level, it is clear junior Jermaine Marrow is no rookie to playing a dominant game of basketball.
In just his freshman season, Marrow averaged 15.6 points per game in the MEAC Conference, was named to the MEAC All-Rookie team and was on the all-conference third team.
The following season, he improved in every statistical category. His scoring went up to 19.1 points per game, which led to him being named to the All-MEAC first team.
When the Hampton University athletic department made the decision to move into the Big South Conference, that meant all teams on campus would have to prove themselves in the upcoming seasons. After having the best record during 2017-2018 regular season in Hampton’s former conference, the group of men’s basketball players put teams on notice that they would have to bring their A-game in order to beat the Pirates.
No player on the Hampton Pirates has brought their A-game more this season than this junior guard from Newport News.
As of Dec. 1, Marrow was a top 10 scorer in Division I NCAA basketball. At 25.6 points per game and 46 percent shooting, Marrow is looking like a man on a mission to prove how great he is while still finding a way to manage five assists per game.
On Nov. 25 at The Robins Center in Richmond, Marrow put up 38 points and six assists in a 20-point victory against the Spiders.
The clear growth from this game showed in his accurate shooting. Marrow was 12-of-19 from the field, including 5-of-8 from three-point range.
Marrow has made significant strides since his freshman season, when he shot 34 percent from long range.
“I improved on controlling the game and slowing down,” Marrow said. “Making everything easy, knowing when I can score and knowing when to pass.”
Although Hampton has shown flashes of greatness, the Pirates started 2-5. Despite a couple close games that didn’t go the Pirates’ way, the team is determined to show they aren’t to be forgotten about.
When discussing HU’s end goals, Marrow said the Pirates will have to “keep winning, because everybody wants to beat [them].”
Marrow also mentioned some challenges for his junior year, and he explained that mastering what he can do on the floor for the team will be his most important role.
“I’m just being a leader,” Marrow said. “[I’m] helping everybody on the team by getting them in their right spots where they can be the best players they can be.”
His leadership skills will continue to shine through his performances on the court.
“I just want people to know every time I step on the court,” Marrow said, “I play like it is my last game.”
The Hampton Script 