Jones is next at Memphis Mitchell
After watching Thaddeus Young, Brandon Powell and Andre Thornton all sign with Division I schools, Memphis (Tenn.) Mitchell guard Jarvis Jones learned a little something about the recruiting process and how to shine on the AAU circuit.
At the Wallace Prather Memorial Classic at Georgia Tech, Jones made sure people knew he is starting to understand the AAU circuit. The class of 2008 prospect scored 42 points, including 11 three-pointers in one game.
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"I just got hot I guess," Jones said. "Nothing was falling in the first half for me but my coach must have said something to me to get me mad."
With Young, a McDonald's All-American and future Georgia Tech forward, watching, Jones knew he wanted to have his best game despite playing a year up on the circuit.
"That is why I played in the 17 and under side. I like playing with them. It is going to make me bigger and stronger," Jones said.
Playing up has also put Jones on the radar for a number of high-major schools. Jones said Colorado has offered early while Illinois, Florida, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Tennessee and Arkansas have all thrown a hat into the race.
Jones said Illinois, Georgia Tech, Florida and Tennessee round out his top four.
"When nobody else was recruiting me, they were," Jones said. "They got in first. I want a good education and good surroundings."
If it weren't for Young, Powell and Thornton, Jones said he would not be sought after quite like he has been this year.
"If coaches didn't come out to recruit those guys, I know I wouldn't have all of these schools recruiting me now," he said.
"I ask Thad about the recruiting side and Brandon about the games in AAU. They both have helped me a lot. Thad went through a lot so he's been able to help me understand how all of the recruiting works. Brandon told me to go out and have fun and just go at it."