SEC Schools Keeping Up With Jones

He’s tough, strong, a good rebounder, well-built and tough as a bull. And Mike Jones doesn’t want it any other way. The simple spoken 6-foot-6, 210-pound forward from Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, S.C., is one of the top prospects in the class of 2006 with his old-fashion way of playing the game.

Jones, a four-star prospect, came on strong in July with the South Carolina Ravens. He shined even with senior studs Devon Downey, Josh Dollard and Allen Taylor on the roster. The 54 ranked player in the nation does a good job of getting to the basket with his athleticism and finds a way to score inside. Fearless in traffic, Jones can rebound with the big boys and also play hard defense.

His progression has continued to the fall. A handful of programs traveled to the Palmetto State and saw firsthand the steps made in Jones’ game. He said coaches from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were at his school last month to evaluate him. Clemson, DePaul and Georgetown are also in the picture, he says.

“Everything is going good, I’m just listening to what coaches have to say,” Jones said. “I have a lot of time. I’m in no rush to make any kind of decision.”

Jones did admit he grew up watching the in-state Gamecocks and wanted to see how the team did this season in conference play.

With the attention from the high-majors, you wouldn’t get the impression that he’s effected by all of the coaches showing an interest. He’s more concerned with getting the season underway. His team is one of the top teams in the state, and for now, he wants to claim the title.

“I’m ready for the season to start so we can go and try to win a championship to try to prove to everybody that we are good,” Jones said.

Jones said he would get serious about his future after the season and is basically looking at one thing only in schools.

“I just want to play basketball. So wherever they play my style of basketball, I’ll look but most of all, I just want to play,” Jones said.