Throughout the summer, GoRhody.com will run a weekly feature series introducing the members of the 2025-26 Men's Basketball team. The series will focus on their respective basketball journeys.

KINGSTON, R.I. - Work.

Sit down with Jahmere Tripp, and the word is sure to come up. In fact, over the course of an eight-minute interview, Tripp used the word 14 times, driving home the approach he brings to the basketball court.

It's something that Tripp learned from his older brother Jahlil growing up in Brooklyn. Jahmere is seven years younger than Jahlil, but he was watching his brother's journey the whole time. When Jahlil's work ethic sent him to Pacific - where he was the 2020 West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time all-conference selection - a young Jahmere was taking notes.

"I saw my brother go through high school and get scholarship offers. I saw how much it changed his life, so I knew early on that I wanted to take the game seriously. When I got to high school, I really started working out on my own with trainers and taking all aspects of it seriously. Something really sparked for me, and I started to develop a higher level of skill. I was shedding the baby fat and really learning the game.

"The relationship with my brother is big for me. He played at the collegiate level and was a defensive player of the year. When you have a guy like that to lean on, you can always learn something new about the game. Having him in my corner after bad games and good games gives me a person I can always talk to. He was in my shoes, so I know he has the right answer for me all the time."

Rhode Island assistant coach Duane "40" Woodward got to know the Tripp family when he was recruiting Jahlil. Years later, that relationship bore the fruit of bringing Jahmere to Kingston when he entered the transfer portal earlier this Spring. While Tripp was familiar with URI after competing against the Rams for two years at Fordham, it was his relationship with Woodward that cemented his move.

"I've known him since I was in middle school. He recruited my brother, and they recruited me coming out of high school," Tripp said. "Having that preexisting relationship with the coaches and knowing that they want the best for me, I just knew the situation was a good one.

"Having those talks with 40 when I was younger, it helped me understand how to work and put myself in the best position for success at an early age. Knowing that there was someone who I believe wants the best for me is the main thing that has always stood out. He has always been real with me. He has let me know what I needed to work on, what I need to improve on. I don't want to play for a coach who is only going to tell me what I want to hear. I want someone who keeps it real, and that is what I feel from him."

While at Fordham, Tripp's productivity saw a significant jump from his freshman season to his sophomore year. After averaging 4.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and shooting .143 from the arc (3-for-21) in his first season, Tripp averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and shot .339 (19-for-56) from the arc. He also more than doubled his output in assists (18 in 2023-24, 50 in 2024-25) and steals (16 in 2023-24, 34 in 2024-25).

"The game slowed down a lot for me last season, and not just because I was a year older," Tripp said. "My preparation during the summer following my freshman year heading into last season was completely different. I knew what to expect. My 3-point percentage improved. My overall field goal percentage went up. Really, there was improvement in almost every category. It showed in my production, and my play was more effective."

Tripp describes himself as a Swiss army knife from the wing spot, a Dramond Green style player, but a little more ball-dominant.

"I am someone who likes to get my teammates involved," Tripp said. "I can rebound, I can push the ball off the rebound. I can hit shots. I can finish above the rim. Defensively I can guard one through four, even the five if I have to. I can switch on the fly. I am there to do everything that is needed on the court."

With two years in the A-10, Tripp has the most league experience on the roster. Before coming to Rhode Island, he was familiar with URI forward Drissa Traore, who played with a couple of Tripp's high school teammates at St. John's. He also competed against guard Jonah Hinton when the latter was at St. Bonaventure last season. Other than that, it's a fresh start with a new program to adjust to.

"The biggest thing I've noticed early on is the intensity with which this program operates and how hard our coaches want us to work," Tripp said. "We are pushing hard in the weight room and on the court. That is what is going to draw the best out of every player. You don't want to be in a program where you are not being pushed, or you are taking days off. We are working super hard already, right from the start. We are just a few weeks in, but I can feel how beneficial the summer work has been already."

Check back on Tuesday, July 8 for a feature on forward Mouhamed Sow. To order tickets for the 2025-26 Men's Basketball Season, click here.


Summer Series
6/12 - Hinton Brings Strategic Mind to Rhody
6/19 - Johnson Leads With the Spirit of the Wolf
6/26 - Itejere Offers Explosive Presence in the Paint
7/1 - Cochran's Versatile Production An Asset