NCAA Basketball: Analyzing top 5 teams for St. John’s transfer David Jones
![Feb 22, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; St. John's Red Storm forward David Jones (23) shoots against the Georgetown Hoyas during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports Feb 22, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; St. John's Red Storm forward David Jones (23) shoots against the Georgetown Hoyas during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/87b5471dbbbfa6638740ec141e4ae985b422400f99f601998e70ea5a446dd96a.jpg)
Kentucky Wildcats
Jones has the versatility to play multiple positions on the court, which is exactly what Kentucky needs. After losing both Oscar Tshiebwe and Chris Livingston and failing to land any transfers, they’re down to just eight players, with just one (Antonio Reeves) being the lone veteran. And by the way, it’s not a sure bet he’ll be back next season either.
Whether it’s on the wing or playing the undersized four-spot, there’s plenty of playing time available for Jones. And he’d go from being an afterthought on losing Big East programs to being in the national spotlight for all of next season. His lack of shooting won’t help and the Wildcats already have lots of scoring guards but they desperately need a veteran that can take some of the offensive pressure off of the young freshmen playmakers.
Memphis Tigers
Having lost the star duo of Deandre Williams and Kendric Davis, the Tigers landed several transfers this offseason, including four on the perimeter. That includes a pair of large wings in Jonathan Pierre and Teafale Lenard Jr. Pierre is a former D-II player while Lenard has a reputation for being an elite defender but the Middle Tennessee transfer doesn’t have much of an offensive game.
Right now, FSU transfer Caleb Mills is the projected lead offensive option and that’s not a good thing. Jones has proven that he can be a focal point of an offense and command some shots. So this could be a really good option that makes sense for both sides.