Momo Jones decision to transfer caps off a wild Monday

Momo Jones must have heard footsteps.

With five-star recruits Josiah Turner and Nick Johnson coming in, Jones must have seen -- or been told -- the writing on the wall. He was coming off of a season where he averaged just 9.7 ppg, had a 1.3:1 a/to ratio (averaging just 2.4 apg), and shot 41.8% from the floor and 31.6% from three. That's not exactly the way to win out a starting spot.

Jones has not proven to be the kind of player that remains committed. He went to three different high schools. He was committed to both Louisville, USC, and Virginia Tech during his recruitment. He nearly transferred during his freshman season after struggling to deal with his limited minutes behind Nic Wise. His transfer shouldn't come as a huge surprise, especially if he was forced out. You see, the concern with Jones is that he wouldn't be able to handle playing a reduced role, and the Arizona coaching staff appear to feel that team chemistry is more important than what Jones brings to the table as a player.

The move is risky for Arizona. For starters, unless Jordin Mayes beats out Turner and Johnson, Arizona is going to be starting a freshman at the point. For all the inconsistency that Jones had throughout the season, the kid was a bulldog. He wanted to win, and he played well during the NCAA Tournament. Experience does has value, especially at the point.

The other issue is the whispers going around that Turner may not qualify academically. If he doesn't, Point Guard U will be very thin at the point next season.

According to Jeff Goodman, Jones is looking at transferring closer to his native NYC, possibly St. John's. He may be able to receive a waiver to play immediately due to a family illness.


Dalton Pepper to transfer as well: The West Virginia guard had a shot at starting next season, but in a move that surprised just about everyone involved, the rising junior is out the door. He averaged just 3.9 ppg, but at 6'5", Pepper was a very good defense player on the wing.


Sterling Gibbs chooses Texas: The former Maryland commit and the younger brother of Pitt's Ashton made the decision on Monday night to head to Texas to play for Rick Barnes and the Longhorns. He got a release from his Letter of Intent to Maryland when Gary Williams left. Its an interesting get for Texas. Gibbs is not a blue-chip recruit, and while Texas loses Cory Joseph and Jordan Hamilton on their perimeter, they are bringing in a solid back court with Myck Kabongo, Sheldan McClellan, and Julien Lewis. There is no guarantee that Gibbs, who visited the school this weekend, will play immediately.


Anthony Crater booted from USF: The former Ohio State point guard was dismissed from the South Florida basketball team tonight. According to Brett McMurphy of Fanhouse The New York Times CBSSports.com, Crater failed a third drug test, which automatically results in being kicked off of a team at South Florida. Crater's been in trouble throughout his career. In addition to the failed drug tests, he was a suspect in $8,000 worth of goods stolen out of a teammates room.