Top point guard prospect Verdell Jones visits Bloomington on Friday, interest is high
Verdell Jones, a 6-4, 160 lb point guard from Champaign (Ill.) Central recently jumped onto the wishlist of Tom Crean and the Indiana basketball program. Crean and head assistant coach Tim Buckley recruited Jones at Marquette, and now that Crean has a job with the Hoosiers and Buckley is likely to follow, the interest shifted to the new school.
With Bassett's future uncertain, Jones could be a huge pickup for Crean
Jones followed up on his interest with an unofficial visit to Bloomington this past Friday, as the Little 500 fesitivities ensued across campus. The three-star guard is rated by Rivals.com as the No. 123 prospect in the nation and the No. 26 point guard.
Although his lanky frame is in definite need of development, Jones can handle the ball, see the court well, and pass with great skill. His basketball knowledge and presence on the court are listed as some of his biggest strengths. He averaged 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this past year, and led his team to the deep into the Illinois Class 3A state tournament before falling to Champaign Central in a 72-70 loss. Jones' lackluster 5-for-20 performance prompted some opposing fans to deem him overrated, but his potential is still unquestionable.
Indiana is competing with the likes of Kentucky, Minnesota, Georgetown, and Arizona for Jones' skills. Kentucky and Minnesota have been leading the race but the others, including Indiana, have made late pushes just weeks before the signing period. Crean will have no small challenge in recruiting against studs like Billy Gillispie and Tubby Smith, who would like nothing more than to add another top prospect to their squads.
Jones told Illinoishsbasketball.com that "playing time, style of play, conference, and coach will all play a role in his decision." He also noted that the possibility of a postseason ban or other severe sanctions for IU's program "worries him a little," although hopefully the NCAA doesn't go that far.
Jones has said that he hopes to have a decision made in the next couple of weeks, just in time for the spring signing period. Until then, Hoosier fans will just have to wait and see if Crean and Buckley can work some of their magic and bring in a solid block that they can use to begin rebuilding the Indiana program.
Highlights:
Jones in the Trusted Choice Tournament of Champions Classic
Jones hits game-winning shot in junior high school state tournament
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