Recruiting Report: Dylan Jones (2019)
After coming from Nashville to Des Moines two years ago, he’s now a top-10 2019 in Iowa who has earned a spot with the Iowa Barnstormers — it’s safe to say things are going very well for Waukee sophomore Dylan…
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Continue ReadingAfter coming from Nashville to Des Moines two years ago, he’s now a top-10 2019 in Iowa who has earned a spot with the Iowa Barnstormers — it’s safe to say things are going very well for Waukee sophomore Dylan Jones.
Several Division I programs have been in contact with Jones, and some of them have cared enough to come to Waukee and watch the 6-foot-7 small forward workout.
“I went to UNI during the summer and a University of Pennsylvania camp this summer, and I’ve received a lot of letters,” said Jones. “Creighton has come to my school and talked to me and they’re wanting to stay in touch. And then I worked out for Iowa, North Dakota and Nebraska this fall.”
Jones went into more detail about his workout with Iowa assistant Kirk Speraw.
“He just said that I looked really good and he wanted to try and get me out to a football game. Then he gave me his card, and said he wanted to stay in touch and that he likes me as a player,” said Jones. ‘And Patrick (McCaffery) is on the Barnstormers, so they’ll have a lot of opportunities to see me play in the future, and they’re going to keep their eye out for me.”
Just a sophomore and with a couple years ahead of him before he’ll have to worry about offers and a commitment, Jones still says he concerns himself with his recruitment.
“I definitely think about it just because it’s my dream to play college basketball, and I just always play like there’s someone that could be in the stands watching,” he said.
“I think this summer with the Barnstormers will be a good chance for me to showcase some of my skills. There’s definitely going to be a lot of coaches around watching, and I just want to play to the best of my ability and show them what I can do.”
With great size, length and a versatile skill-set, Jones has shot up our 2019 rankings and checks in a No. 8 in the most recent installment.
“I think what really sets me apart is just my versatility and being able to play inside and out, and causing mismatches for the defense,” said Jones. “And another strength is just my basketball IQ; I can not only set myself up, but set my teammates up, and know what plays to make at the right time.”
With an already existing ability to swat shots and score in the paint, Jones has worked hard to pair an outside ability, and it’s coming along nicely.
“Growing up I was always more of a post, and that’s where my roots have been. But over the past couple of years I’ve been working hard on my ball-handling and shooting, passing,” he said. “Playing in the post and on the wing both kind of come naturally to me now, and wherever I feel I can get the ball in the hoop from, that’s where I’m going to be.”
Though Jones would likely start on most other 4A squads in the state this season, he’ll begin this season coming off the bench for one of Iowa’s best squads.
“I’m definitely going to be playing a lot, and I’m going to be able to make a good impact on the team,” said Jones. “When I get in I’m going to play my hardest, and just follow the seniors’ lead.”