A prospect who’s rise started in July with Wildcat Select, Jones has gotten better and better each time I watch him play and had a monster playoff outing in his last high school game against Toledo Whitmer. Very mobile as a defender, Jones is switchable and protects the rim with his length and timing. Improving on the offensive end as well, Jones is a play finisher as a roll man or sitting in the dunker spot who also improved as a perimeter shooter this year. A ton of upside for the Kent State commit, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him play right away and make an impact in the MAC.

I have been really impressed with Jones this year and he was dominant in the first half for Garfield. He had 16 points at halftime and was doing it all. His length and athleticism create huge problems on the glass and around the rim. He is one of the better rim protectors I have seen this season. He can cover so much ground and get the ball in areas no one else on the floor can. He will be a great player for Kent State and someone I believe is an instant impact player at the next level. He has a really good touch around the rim. His hand is at the rim when he is finishing the ball.

I am a huge fan of Jones’ game. Not many other big kids I’d take over him. He is freakishly long and has some strides that are great for rim running. He can get into great positioning for rebounds. He is a monster on the boards because of his athleticism and length, he gets his hand on every loose ball. He is one of the best tip-back bucket-getters I have seen this season. He does well at contesting every single shot. He is a high-level rim protector. He can block the ball at points in the air that no one else can. He has a great motor. Jones is the player you want.

25 points against a prep school with two Marquette commits and a top 50 Junior in the frontcourt, DeAndre Jones continued growth makes him a potential steal for Kent State. Continuing his upward trajectory that really started in July, Jones is a prospect who continues to improve his skills and production. I was really impressed with how aggressive Jones was with his back to the basket, getting to the left-hand hook and using a variety of post moves to keep the defense guessing. Combine that with the handful of jumpers he made and a couple powerful dunks on the fast break and Jones was highly impactful on the offensive end.

One of the biggest stock risers in the 2024 class since the spring started, Jones was impressive once again. Had a drive and roll finish at the rim, later made a post move and missed but got his own rebound and drew free throws. Next time Jones caught it in the post it was a quick lefty finish over his right shoulder. Flashing some perimeter skill with a pump fake two dribble and-1 finish. With soft hands, Jones made a tough catch and finished at the rim. One time Jones was in trouble on the baseline and used his length to extend and kick-out to a shooter in the corner. Defensively Jones is long and alters shots at the rim. While he has a bunch of things working for him, there’s still a few fixes before he’s a major college contributor. If Jones can get stronger, rebound the ball more consistently and develop softer touch on his jumpers then he has the potential to be an impact college player at any level.

One of the longest players in the state, college programs are very intrigued by the defensive versatility that Jones has with his quickness, length and shot blocking ability. Holding 10 Division I offers from low to mid major programs, Jones is one of the more sought after prospects in Ohio’s 2024 class. Getting better every time I watch him play, Jones has had some intriguing flashes on the 3SSB circuit with Wildcat Select. It’ll be interesting to track Jones development throughout his senior season and see which college program he chooses to attend.

I am a big fan of Jones because he possesses the unteachables. He has great height, length, and athleticism. He runs like a gazelle. When he raises his hands they are already at the rim. His wingspan allows him to be a great rim protector and rebounder. When altered a ton of shots for St. John’s and with his great height advantage when he was in the game the Titans simply didn’t even try to attack the rim. He is a very raw talent that needs development but I believe Sonny Johnson is perfect to provide that for the 6’9 junior. Jones is a modern big as well because he can shoot the ball too. Do not leave him open because he will knock it down.

Garfield Heights has been one of the top teams in northeast Ohio and they’ve been winning games with their defense. Jones is a big part of that with his length and rim protection. The way Jones can switch onto guards and protect the rim is very valuable and will translate to the next level. Still a work in progress on the offensive end, Jones is making some strides but still a ways away from being ready to score at the Division I level. Jones currently holds a couple low major offers with more expected to come this spring and summer.

Jones has been impressive with his new team after transferring over from Warrensville Heights. The 6’8 stretch 4 knows how to use his long arms defensively and contested shots outside with his reach. Can step outside the paint and knock down shots over defenders. Defensively also caught my eye with how well he hedges screens and disrupted the ball handler briefly due to his long arms and wiry frame. Jones has scholarship potential with the size and skill, but certainly needs to add some muscle if he’s going to excel at the next level.