Recruiting Report: Ross Jones (2017)
As the majority of Division I and Division II prospects for the class of 2017 have signed to their respective schools, there still remains a select few high-caliber players who remained unsigned. Ross Jones is arguably at the top of that list for the Baltimore area.
The 6’1 point guard recently had a dominant weekend in Spooky Nook at the HoopGroup Spring Jam Fest Tournament. In two of his three games, Jones finished with 27 points and a bevy of big-time plays. This isn’t anything new for Jones. He made the same type of plays during his senior campaign at Friends High School this past season.
Jones averaged 18 points, five assists, and four rebounds a game for the 16-11 Quakers. Along with his strong offensive output, Jones was one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league ranking in the top five in steals per game. Playing under a highly-respected head coach in Albert Holley really helped Jones reach his full potential this past season.
“I loved it,” Jones said about playing for Holley. “I definitely think he helped me grow and become the player I am and I give him a lot of credit for helping me with that.”
Jones has always been a natural scorer, but this season he feels as if he improved on using his teammates in terms of creating open shots for them. Becoming more of a facilitator is something he also believes he improved on. There were times in games where he could be featured as the two-guard, but in college Jones will most likely play strictly at the point guard position.
The good news for Jones is the game has continued to change over the years in that point guards are often times expected to be one of the primary scorers on their teams at any level. While he continues to work on his ability to be a floor general, his ability to operate and get to the basket in pick-and-roll situations should be a main attraction to college coaches.
Jones currently has interest from Maine, UMass-Lowell, New Hampshire, and Randolph Macon. While the Division I school are very interested in Jones, none have offered. After his performance in the Spring Jam Fest, I heard plenty of coaches expressing their interest in pursuing him.
In terms of his college search, Jones number one priority is his fit within the program. Location isn’t an issue even though Jones is very close with his family. His mother and father are committed to support their son with wherever he chooses to attend.
When asked who he spend the most time in terms of breaking down film, Jones cited Damian Lillard as his top guy. Watching Jones, you can see the similarities in the way he utilizes ball screens and his killer mentality when he decides to attack the rim.