Jones is beating the buzzer
When the game is on the line for Ft. Wayne (Ind.) Northside, it is almost certain the ball is going to go to Eshaunte Jones. The 6-foot-4, 170-pound guard has connected on a trio of game winning shots this season.
His latest game-winner came on the road against cross-town rival Southside High. Jones scored a season high 35 points for his Northside (9-3) team.
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"I've stepped up this year because I knew I had a big role with this team," Jones said. "I'm playing with a lot of confidence right now. I think it's my best season so far."
Jones, the No. 64 ranked player in the class of 2007, has become a popular guy amongst recruiters not because of his game-winning buckets but because of his versatility and size in the backcourt.
While regulated to the small forward position in high school, Jones plays the point on the summer circuit. His ability to play multiple positions have attracted a number of high-profile schools.
Jones said Iowa State (offer), Illinois, Kentucky, Miami (offer) and Michigan State (offer) are at the top of his list.
"I'd say those schools are the most consistent with me," Jones said. "They text me first thing in the morning and see how I'm doing. They always want to keep in touch."
The four-star junior said Indiana, Ole Miss and Purdue have also offered. He took an unofficial visit to Michigan State in the fall for the Green and White game. "It was pretty nice atmosphere there. They get crazy," he said.
Another Big Ten school has his attention, too.
"I've talked to Eric Gordon a lot and he's talked to me about playing with him at Illinois," Jones said. "We'll see how that goes. I'm just going to wait and see."
A commitment before the AAU season hasn't been ruled out either, he said.
"I thought about committing early just to get it out of the way and take the pressure off of me so I can focus on my senior year," Jones said.