Warren Armstrong

Warren Edward Armstrong, known after a name change as Warren Jabali, was an American basketball player born on August 29, 1946, who played professionally in the American Basketball Association from 1968 to 1975. He died on July 13, 2012.

Armstrong attended Wichita State University, where he changed his name to reflect his African roots; "Jabali" is a Swahili word for "rock" and carries no religious connotation. Standing 6'2", he was a skilled defender and rebounder and a remarkable leaper, reported to be able to touch a ten-foot rim with his forehead. Despite Wichita State and the Missouri Valley Conference supplying many professional players of the era, he drew little attention from the National Basketball Association. The New York Knicks drafted him in the fourth round of the 1968 NBA draft, eighth pick of the round and 44th overall. He instead signed with the Oakland Oaks of the rival ABA, who had selected him in the 1968 ABA Draft.

With the Oaks, coached by Alex Hannum, Armstrong began his ABA career. A severe knee ligament injury to Rick Barry after 35 games did not slow the team.