Tyus Jones is only a sophomore in high school, but he is nonetheless considered the top prospect in the state and one of the bigger prospects nationally, in his 2014 class.
Naturally, the local D-I school has had its eyes on Jones for some time. But Minnesota is just one of many elite schools whose interest he’s attracted – and apparently one that for now has not made his top-end list.
Jones seems intent on going to the same college as friend and fellow recruit Jahlil Okafor, a 6-10 center from Chicago. In an interview with C2C Hoops, Jones lists four schools he and Okafor are seriously considering: Arizona, Michigan State, Ohio State and Duke. He mentions that Minnesota “of course” has been heavily recruiting him but he doesn’t seem too interested in the school. A lot can happen, of course, between now and 2014.
Notes on Jones:
– The 6-1, 171-pound point guard plays traveling basketball with Howard Pulley.
– Played in the FIBA Americas U16 championship for men in Mexico and had 28 assists in the tournament; his team won the gold medal.
Competed in the Peach Jam tournament in North Augusta, S.C., and wowed D-I coaches like Michigan State's Tom Izzo, Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and Syracuse's Jim Boeheim; had a 31-point game.
– Scored 18.3 ppg in 13 games during his freshman season at Apple Valley High School.
– Has received offers from Minnesota, Arizona, Iowa State, Michigan State, Ohio State, Baylor and Marquette.
– According to ESPN scouting, Jones has a great basketball IQ and is described as a very mature player who makes the right play at the right time, whether it is a pass, rebound, basket or a steal. He is a pass-first point guard but can score when necessary.