Kevin Jones To Declare For NBA Draft
by Caleb Wygal on Apr 21, 2011 9:59 AM EDT
in Mountaineer Basketball
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The rumors began before last season. If Kevin Jones had a strong Junior season for the Mountaineers to follow up the Final Four run he had a key role in the previous season, then he would declare for the NBA Draft. During the 2009-10 season, Jones averaged 13.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His averages during the 2010-11 season were remarkably similar: 13.1 points and 7.5 rebounds. The belief was that with Da'Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks moving on to the NBA, that Jones should have had a breakout season and carry much of the load on offense. That didn't necessarily happen, but he still displayed the skills that drew attention the previous season. Namely, strong defense and a strong inside-outside game.
According to the Lower Hudson Journal News, Jones has declared for the Draft, but will not hire an agent. This means that Jones can work out for teams and get feedback on where he stands. He has until May 8 to decide whether to stay in the Draft or withdraw his name. If he withdraws, then he can still play out his last year of eligibility at WVU.
It's an interesting choice for Jones after a somewhat lackluster season. But it could come at a good time with several high profile underclassmen opting to stay in school for another year (i.e.- Jared Sullinger, Doron Lamb, Harrison Barnes, etc.) which could help him earn a higher draft pick. Jones will spend the next two weeks trying to determine his draft status. Right now, DraftExpress.com lists Jones as the #29 Junior, which means that he would be a fringe draft pick at best. After talking to scouts at the Portsmouth Invitational, Jones' older brother, Gerard, says that some scouts believe otherwise.
"A lot of scouts are really high on him if he does come out this year," Gerard Jones told the
Lower Hudson News.
If he comes back, the Mountaineers will be going through a retooling process next year with seven incoming freshmen and losing six. It will be the first year that all of the players will be Bob Huggins' recruits.
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You make a good point
about all of the higher-profile guys who are not entering the draft. I hadn’t thought about that aspect of this.
Huggins will really show his mettle next season if this happens: returning one starter and three bench players, with a boatload of new signees.
by TheMattROb on Apr 21, 2011 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I think Huggins showed his mettle last season too...
when only one freshman winded up enrolling in school (who got injured) and the suspensions of Jennings and Mitchell left WVU with 7 scholarship players and still was ranked in the Top 25 for much of the season.
And don’t forget that all of the Seniors were Beilein recruits too. I know Huggins didn’t get much love in the ‘Coach of the Year’ discussions, but I think it showed all of us just how good of a coach he is. I hope he’s in Morgantown for a long, long time.
by Caleb Wygal on Apr 21, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I second that.
Huggins is amazing. Look forward to seeing what he can assemble with a full corps of his own players.
And he will get his 800th victory while at WVU, provided he coaches 5 more years.
by TheMattROb on Apr 21, 2011 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Big Mistake
He should stick around. Same mistake made by Joe and Devin…you can see where they are languishing now. Establish yourself more solidly before you leave.
"Yes, madam, I am drunk. But in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly." -- Winston Churchill
by Pepperoni Roll on Apr 22, 2011 12:11 AM EDT reply actions
How is it a mistake to test the waters without hiring an agent ? How did Joe and Devin make mistakes when they are making more money at 21 and 22 then most people ever make? I see Joe is languishing….making more money off the interest of his signing bonus than most people make in a year and playing basketball for pay. I see Devin Ebanks making 5 times more money than 99% of 21 year olds and playing with the world champion Lakers.
I disagree w/ you
I think this is the prudent move for Kevin Jones. He’ll get some idea where he stands and likely make the right decision based on the data gathering….Seems like a good kid w/ a good head on his shoulders.
by WVUColumbus on Apr 22, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I think KJ showed his smarts by NOT hiring an agent....
If he gets good buzz from working out and gets off the fringes of the draft, he should go. After all, that is the prize when you have that level of talent.
However, I’m hoping he finds out that he really could use an extra year of coaching under Huggins.
"You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with until you understand who's in ruttin charge here." ~ Jayne Cobb
Another thing to think about...
I wonder what his academic situation is?
by Caleb Wygal on Apr 22, 2011 8:42 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Judging from his tweets
He has been going to class and working out.
He is a solid kid and seems to have everything in order.
I hope he comes back after testing the waters,
by 5th Year Senior on Apr 22, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe it would be prudent of me to follow him…
by Caleb Wygal on Apr 22, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
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