Recruiting Report: Derrick Jones (2021)

We have a saying in the scouting business, “if you can play, we will find you.” While that is usually the case, I also tell people there’s always a gem somewhere that people don’t know about. While I’m a little ashamed to admit it, one of those gems is Derrick Jones, a kid I had heard about from Albemarle in Charlottesville last season where he was named a Class 5 All-State performer, but I had never seen him and didn’t even have him ranked in the 2020 class.

However, Jones decided over the summer that he wanted to reclassify and he has since enrolled at local prep powerhouse Blue Ridge where he will be in the 2021 class now. When I attended the Virginia Live Period Shootout at Blue Ridge in June is the first time I saw Jones, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that he’s a division one talent who should thrive with the extra year.

When I caught up with Jones, I asked him about his decision to move from his local public school to Blue Ridge, a school who has been as successful as any in the state both in terms of success on the court and in preparing and sending kids to the next level.

“Blue Ridge is a great opportunity for me,” Jones was quick to say. “The coaches are great and I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help bring wins to this organization. Albemarle is a great school too, I just felt like I needed to be more pushed as a player to get where I need to get in the future.”

The move has already paid off for Jones, who in just that first weekend with them picked up offers from ODU, Stetson and Mount St. Mary’s. Jones has all of the athletic tools to dominate games in transition as he stands about 6’4” with super long arms and a frame that has yet to fill out but should put on weight moving forward. His new coach Cade Lemcke was quick to mention that he reminds him somewhat of former Barons star Sardaar Calhoun, who has recently become one of the top JUCO prospects in the country and is being courted by a number of high major and power six schools.

While Jones is intriguing with his motor and athletic ability, he’s aware that he won’t be able to just get by and dominate with his athleticism like he did in public school ball. When asked what type of player he is and what he needs to improve on, he was very honest and aware of these things.

“I like to attack the rim, I can hit shots and make threes here and there, I know I need to work on my dribbling but I can get to my spots and hit pull-ups and stuff like that,” he said. “I need to work on my ball handling and my defense, my aggressiveness on the defensive end. I need to improve on my stamina so I can stay in the game longer and not get fatigued so I can hit my shots late in the game.”

Jones already has a decent skill set but knows he needs to continue to improve, but it was hearing him talk about working on the defensive end that made me perk up because that’s where his bread and butter could be. With his length, quickness and explosive ability, he could be a versatile defender who can stay in front of guards but also come help side as a shot blocker, and he could guard multiple positions.

With the extra year, Jones will not only get the opportunity to be seen more by college coaches, but he’ll also get more support and time to get prepared for the next level both on and off the basketball court.

“I think it will help build my mental toughness and understanding of basketball. Help me learn more about the game both for now and the next level and it should help me with my grades and get my book smarts up as well.”

When asked why he thinks coaches should continue to recruit him, Jones didn’t mention his crazy athleticism or budding skill set, it was his mentality and work ethic that he believes separates him.

“I’m a hard worker and I’ll play any position you need me to. If you need me in the game just to play defense on the best player I’ll do it and I’ll give it my all while doing it. I’m just a guy who wants to help my team win at any costs.”

Jones debuted in the new Prep Hoops VA rankings at 13, and while he isn’t a household name yet and still has some work to do it wouldn’t be surprising to me if he was a late bloomer who high major schools keep tabs on. He’ll be a kid that’s worth keeping an eye on moving forward and should be a pivotal piece for a stacked Blue Ridge team this year.