Offense
Strengths
• Creates space for shots
• Goes strong to the basket – not afraid of contact
• Does a good job drawing defense and finding open man
• Uses screens well – takes what defense gives him
Weaknesses
• Shot selection can improve
• Tends to fade away on his jump shot
• Tries to force plays to his right
• Decision making in transition needs to improve
Defense
Strengths
• Closes well on shooters
• Good help defender – recovers to his man well
• Moves feet well, good lateral movement
Weaknesses
• Can be overly aggressive
• Tends to go under screens – gives up easy jumpers
Analysis
Jones seemed to explode onto the Big East scene this season, though the truth is he had put up solid Freshman and Sophomore seasons prior to this season. On offense, Jones finds many ways to score, getting into the lane or stepping back and hitting from the perimeter. While he has good range on his shot, he tends to fade away on his jump shots, making them much tougher than they need to be. He is an underrated passer and rebounder, but he is always going to be a scorer first. On defense, Jones does a good job of not getting beat by his man, making sure to keep himself between his man and the basket. He can be over aggressive at times, looking to get back down on offense. He also needs to work on getting over or through screens instead of always going underneath. In the NBA, that will lead to too many easy jumpers. Jones has the potential to be a valuable offensive role player for a NBA team, even more if he shores up his defense.
- Ed Isaacson
