Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague

Jewell Palmer spent the first two years of her collegiate life at William Paterson University. She planned on getting a degree there in speech pathology while playing on the basketball team. However, things didn’t exactly work out as Palmer planned. Although she was a member of two New Jersey Athletic Conference championships with William Paterson, Palmer was not happy and sought a school to transfer to.

“I barely played and the coaches and I didn’t see eye-to-eye,” Palmer said. “Originally, I was supposed to go to Rutgers-Newark.”

Rutgers-Newark head coach Kevin Morris had recruited Palmer out of Woodbridge High School, where the 5-foot-10 forward was a standout. Morris had done a lot of recruiting in Middlesex County during his days, so he sensed a familiarity with Palmer.

“It certainly helps to be a familiar face,” said Morris, who is a tireless recruiter in the off-season. “Each recruiting situation plays out by itself. We recruited Jewell out of high school and knew she was a good player. When she called me and said she was interested in coming here, we were happy.”

Palmer arrived and instantly gave the Scarlet Raiders another solid post presence to go along with returning players Jade Howard and Sharee Gordon.

“Sharee and Jade are good players,” Morris said. “The addition of Jewell gave us good balance between everyone and gave us depth. We were able to rotate Jewell in and give us some flexibility up front.”

Palmer likes the camaraderie she shares with Howard, who was recently named to the All-New Jersey Athletic Conference First Team.

“We have great balance together,” Palmer said. “It’s not often that you get to play with someone who has a lot of the same skills. We know each other on the court and know when to set a screen and when to pop out and shoot the jumper. If I shoot, I know Jade will be there to clean up the mess. We’re both athletic and both rely on each other. We’re really strong upfront.”

Palmer said that she was not worried coming into a new school midstream.

“To be honest, I’m a social butterfly,” Palmer said. “I fit in right away. I never have a problem with people and never will have. Growing up, I’ve never been shy. I get along with everyone.”

Palmer has certainly fit in on the floor, averaging 10.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game for the Scarlet Raiders, who won 18 games this year and advanced to the NJAC semifinals.

“She definitely has versatility,” said Morris, who inserted the talented Palmer into the starting lineup from the outset. “It makes matchups against her very tough. She has the ability to take that short range shot to bring the defender out to cover her, then she can go down low. She causes problems for other teams. She rebounds well, defends well. I think she has a pretty complete game. She can score, she rebounds and defends.”

While Morris sings Palmer’s praises, Palmer is a little more reserved.

“I think it’s been a good season, not great,” Palmer said. “I can always do better. I want to become a more valuable player. I think I play smart and that helps me.”

Palmer did not forget the fact that the entire Scarlet Raider roster returns next season in its entirety.

“When I tell someone that we don’t have any seniors, they say, `Wow!’” Palmer said. “They can’t believe it that we’re all coming back. We’re going to have a great year next year.”

“Well, we certainly don’t win 18 games this season without her,” Morris said. “She brings a lot of energy to the court, no question.”

Palmer is now looking forward to a career in social work, preferably at a United States Army base.

“I have a ton of friends in the military, so that’s what got me interested,” said Palmer, who has no plans to enlist after school. “I just see the way they carry themselves, the way they lead. I’m impressed with that.”

One thing is for sure: Palmer is pleased she decided to transfer to Rutgers-Newark.

“Absolutely, it was the right thing,” Palmer said. “I constantly talk to my parents about it. I’m happy.”