Illinois Basketball Is Turning to a High-Scoring Transfer Portal Guard

Knocking down 1.1 three-pointers per game on 35.2 percent shooting, Jones was a serviceable long-distance threat. Although he was solid from beyond the arc and also flashed downhill ability, Jones preferred to do his work in the midrange, using his length, high release and deep bag of hesitations to create space and get his shot off.

A microwave scorer, Jones put on an otherworldly scoring display in early January, pouring in 45 points on 13-for-22 shooting (including 6-for-11 from deep) to help his squad erase a 22-point deficit and pull out a 94-90 win over Cal State Northridge. 

Depending on how Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley’s NBA decisions shake out, Jones could potentially slide seamlessly into the backcourt alongside Kylan Bosw ell or serve as a spark-plug scoring option off the bench for the Illini.

Regardless of Jones’ role, Illinois could certainly use another veteran guard. Although the Illini are currently competing with nine other programs, they are easily the highest-profile program among that group and would give Jones the best chance to contribute to an NCAA Tournament contender.

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