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Stats: 21.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.7 spg, 2.9 t/o's, 45% FG, 31.1% 3PT
Size:
- Listed: 6'4", 205 lb, 21 yrs old
- Combine: 6'5" (with shoes), 216 lb, 6'9 1/4" (wingspan)
About Him: South Florida found a diamond in the rough when they landed Dominique Jones three years ago. The Lakes Wales, FL, native averaged 17.1 ppg and 18.1 ppg, respectively, in his first two seasons for the Bulls, but USF didn't have much to show for it in terms of the win column. This past season, however, Jones averaged 21.4 ppg while leading USF to a 20 win season, a 9-9 finish in the Big East, and a trip to the NIT.
Jones' game is based around his ability to get to the basket. Jones is a muscular 6'5", 216 lb, and has a tremendous first step. He uses that strength and quickness when he puts the ball on the floor, and defenders in the Big East had a lot of trouble keeping him out of the paint. He isn't the most explosive leaper, which wasn't as much of an issue at the college level. He had the length (6'9 1/4" wingspan) and the strength to draw fouls and finish through contact, and developed a floater that he was able to knock down consistently.
Perhaps the best aspect of Jones' game is his ability to draw fouls. He has tremendous body control and coordination, and with his frame he is able to bounce off of bigger defenders in and around the paint. He averaged 8.5 FTA a game as a junior an knocked them down at a 74% clip.
Jones ability to penetrate becomes all the more impressive when considering the two areas of his game that are lacking on the offensive end. Jones almost exclusively attacks going to his right hand, showing more confidence and more ability to get all the way to the rim. When he went left, he was much more likely to pull-up in the mid-range. The problem is that the biggest weakness in Jones offensive arsenal is his jumpshot. He has a slow release and pretty poor form, which results in very inconsistent results from the perimeter. It is going to take considerable work to get his jumper to the point that it can be considered a weapon offensively, but if he does, watch out.
Jones projects as a combo guard in the NBA, but he can absolutely play the point. He's not necessarily averse to being a playmaker -- he averaged 3.6 apg this past season. He dominated possession of the ball during his time at South Florida, but for the most part it seemed like he made the effort to find open teammates. His Bull teammates just weren't always that talented. Jones is effective creating in the pick-and-roll, and is a willing passer as well, which is something that will be an asset for NBA teams as Jones seems to be destined to be a sparkplug off the bench.
On the defensive side of the floor, Jones has the potential to be very good. As we mentioned, his physical profile is outstanding. He has the size, strength, and lateral quickness to physically overwhelm a point guard, and given his length he should be able to defend two guards -- especially those on the second team -- effectively. He's an aggressive defender as well, unafraid of going chest to chest with his man when that player has the ball.
Another aspect of his game that deserves mention is Jones ability to rebound the ball. He averaged 6.1 rpg on the season, and collected quite a few of those on the defensive end. He's capable of grabbing a rebound and leading the break.
Comparison:
- Best Case Scenario: The comparison that I have seen quite a bit is Rodney Stuckey, which is a pretty good best case for Jones. Stuckey is a starter and puts up points with a lacking jumper.
- Worst Case Scenario: A DaJuan Wagner type of career arc. If Jones can't add a jumper and can't improve his left hand, he won't be playing for long in the NBA.
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