Recruiting Report: Messiah Jones
Messiah Jones is a 6’5” 2018 forward out of Simeon that is starting to show more combo forward skills. He is an elite level athlete that is great getting on the offensive glass using his quickness around the hoop to finish at the rim. Second jump is outstanding. Has the ability to hit a couple jumpers from mid-range. Also can attack from the high-post converting with explosion at the rim. Passes it well when facing up. Big time rebounder despite being undersize with his explosive jumping ability. Mid-majors and low-majors should look at him with his athleticism, ability to board, and skill development.
Jones discussed his junior campaign with the Wolverines.
“It went great. Unfortunately we lost the state championship to Whitney Young which is a great team. We have a lot of guys coming back with four of our five starters coming back next season. We are going to have a good year next year. I think this year I played good. Coming from playing on the sophomore team during sophomore year to playing on varsity and showing what I got to coach Rob (Smith). He really taught me a lot up there.”
What were the biggest strides he made in his game?
“My versatility. I feel like I can step out and make jump shots and make plays. Talen (Horton-Tucker) is a great player and I learn a lot from him. I got most of that stuff from him. He told me to just play my game and that is what I have been doing.”
He made the switch over to Butler Elite this spring and it is going well for the Simeon forward.
“It is going great. They really let me play my game and show that I am versatile. Shooting the ball a lot. I really like it over here. My ball handling and making good plays. I like to get my team involved first.”
What colleges are actively recruiting him the most?
“Bradley, SIUE, Drake, and Wright State have been showing a lot of love.”
Bradley is a place he is familiar with from the state tournament.
“It is a great and big school. We played there for the state championship. I really like the atmosphere of the court. It was a great experience.”
SIUE has been keeping in contact.
“They are showing a lot of love too. The coach has been reaching out to me and checking up on me almost every day.”
One MVC school he plans on visiting soon!
“I go on a visit to Drake on May 31 with Kenneth Pittman (Simeon teammate). The coach has really been texting me a lot.”