Terrence Jones returns, lockout affected the decision

Perhaps the most surprising ending to the are-they-in-or-are-they-out drama of the NBA's Draft Deadline came from Kentucky.

With all of the smoke now cleared, Terrence Jones is returning to school while Brandon Knight and DeAndre Liggins are both heading to the NBA. Who predicted that in March?

As recently as a month ago, Jones seemed to be the most likely candidate to head to the league. He struggled late in the season and his on court body language seemed to indicate that John Calipari's coaching techinique's were weighing on him. Combine that with the prospect of going somewhere in the late-lottery to mid-first round, and I'm sure I am not the only one that assumed Jones was gone.


Knight's exit was expected, but with his well-noted academic acumen, it would have been less of a surprise if he had been the only one to stay. As far as Liggins is concerned, he's a known quantity. His role on Kentucky won't change next season -- he'll still be their lockdown perimeter defender and designated three point threat -- which means that there is not much room for improvement in his draft stock. Throw in the fact that Liggins is already 23 years old and that he may be able to sneak into the first round, and it makes sense that he opted to leave this season.*

(*An interesting argument to come out of these developments is whether or not Liggins would have been a more valuable piece for Kentucky to get back. Jones has the potential to be an all-american, yes, but the Wildcats will already have quite a bit of front court talent with Anthony Davis and Kyle Wiltjer coming in. Liggins played a specific and valuable role for UK last year. Can Michael Gilchrist fill the role of defensive stopper? Will Doron Lamb and Darius Miller be able to provide the same perimeter shooting threat?)

Jones is far from the first potential lottery pick to make the surprising decision to return to school -- Perry Jones, Jared Sullinger, and UNC's front line all did the same.

But Jones was the first of that group to publicly acknowledge that the looming NBA lockout played a role in his decision. From The Oregonian:

Jones' mother said perhaps the strongest influence that kept her son in school was the possibility of an NBA lockout. The NBA collective bargaining agreement expires June 30.

"At least you know school is a for-sure thing," Linda Mashia-Jones said.

Regardless of the reason, Jones' return means that Kentucky will be ever better than expected next season.

Kentucky will have at least four lottery picks on their roster next season, yet they may not even be the preseason No. 1.

I just sent in my credential request for the Tar Heels' trip to Rupp Arena.