With a loss against Butler on Saturday, Joness collegiate career ended much the same way it started: anticipation followed by disappointment. With .6 seconds remaining and Maryland waiting to in-bound the basketball down by 3, Jones had a step on his defender and appeared to be in position to get a good shot off, only to have the pass bounce off his hands, ending the game. Jones, who had done so much to get Maryland back in the game after trailing, could only pull his jersey over his head in disappointment as the buzzer sounded.
The entire game was really a microcosm of Joness career, especially the last two seasons. He was very quiet in the first half, hitting just a pair of threes, and providing little other production on either end of the floor. His second three was an important one though, knocking it down to end the half and pull Maryland back within 6 points.
The second half was where we got to see Jones at the height of his potential. He is one of the streakiest players in the entire country, but when he is on, he is one of the deadliest outside shooters around. Jones promptly hit 3 of 4 threes in the first five minutes of the second half, sparking Maryland on a run that tied the ball game. He hit several other pull up jumpers off of screens, exploding for 15 quick second half points.
What was so impressive about Joness second half performance was that it involved more than just hitting jumpers. Jones suddenly became active inside, grabbing two offensive rebounds, and scoring on both second shot attempts. The second one was very impressive, as Jones skied over everyone to tap the ball back in.
This game did not change any opinions of Jones, as it has been his calling card since he came to Maryland. He is an inconsistent player, plain and simple. Some scouts may fain interest in him simply because of his athleticism and deadly outside shot, but even that comes and goes. Besides shooting, Jones doesnt do anything else well enough to contribute to a team at the next level, and many times even a college team. Jones certainly has the potential to play professional basketball, but unless he absolutely goes nuts at one of the pre-draft camps, it probably wont be in the NBA.
Comments