NCAA Basketball: 15 undervalued players in 2020 recruiting class
By Ian Mumm
#130 Colby Jones, SG/SF – Xavier
The Musketeers are looking for answers from their 2020 roster to prevent significant dropoff this season. The reliable and productive duo of Tyrique Jones and Naji Marshall is no longer with the team, leaving Paul Scruggs as the only other player to reach 10+ PPG. In just 2 players, Coach Steele is having to replace strong playmakers, rebounders, and scoring threats with a whole new cast of recruits.
Scruggs and senior center Jason Carter can be stopgaps for Xavier in those areas, but the team really needs quick and consistent production from its freshman class. Colby Jones can put a lot of those worries to rest for fans and coaches alike. Even though he didn’t show his true skills during last summer’s EYBL circuit, Jones can do a bit of everything for this team and do it well.
At 6’6” Jones has the frame to replicate a lot of the same versatility and rotational flexibility exhibited by Marshall and Scruggs last season. Although he struggled from the perimeter during play last summer, he hit over 40% of his attempts during the high school season. Overall he is an efficient scoring threat and can use his size as an advantage attacking the rim.
The versatility extends to the defensive side of the floor as well. His length, lateral quickness, and physicality also allow him to effectively guard multiple positions. Yet his biggest impact will come on the glass. Averaging nearly 10 RPG on the EYBL circuit, Jones is a threat to compete for rebounds with anyone on the floor. Additionally, his ability to start the break and run the floor as a ball-handler can only benefit the danger of Xavier’s offense next season.