Terrence Jones, Sophomore, Small Forward, Kentucky
Overview:
Terrence Jones burst onto the college scene in 2010, with an eye opening performance at the Maui Invitational in November, averaging 23 PPG and 11 RPG, during the three day tournament. The 19 year old sophomore had a wonderful freshman campaign, averaging 15.7 PPG, second on the team behind 2011 NBA lottery pick, PG Brandon Knight. The 6-8 swingman led the team in rebounding, pulling down 8.8 boards per contest. He set the school freshman record with 35 points in a win over Auburn in early January. His performance did not go unnoticed, as Jones was named SEC Newcomer of the Year by the Associated Press. Jones ended his stellar freshman season with a team high 15 rebounds in the Wildcats 56-55 Final Four loss to eventual champions UCONN in the NCAA Tournament.
Jones’ greatest strength is his versatility, being able to play multiple positions at the college level. He is a 6’ 8” wing player that can handle the ball like a guard, and rebound like a forward. Of all the skills that Jones possesses, his most valuable asset could be his playmaking ability. Jones is a gifted passer with excellent court vision. Although his size gives him versatility and makes him a multi dimensional college player, some NBA scouts are worried about him being an in between sort of player, or a tweener if you will.
Final Projection:
A projected 2011 lottery pick by most, some experts are saying Jones could go as high as number five in the NBA draft in 2012. Although his draft status is not quite as clear as others due to the uncertainty of the position he will play at the next level, Terrence Jones will be a highly coveted man around this time next year as the 2012 draft approaches. He has the ability to translate very well to the next level. NBA scouts are always looking for long athletic wing players who can score in different ways. He has been compared to current NBA players Marvin Williams of the Atlanta Hawks and Jeff Green of the Boston Celtics, and former NBA player Jamal Mashburn. He is young, and at times it shows, but he absolutely has room to grow, and ultimately could end up as a formidable NBA player if everything works out for the Portland native.
5/31/12 Update by Dan Levine
The athleticism and explosion this kid demonstrates is incredible. The question is what kind of player are you getting mentally? That is a question teams will have to answer. He was benched a few times for poor play last year at Kentucky. He is likely to be an early lottery pick.
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