CUSA Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose | Jul 19, 2023

Mar 19, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; North Texas Mean Green guard James Reese (0) celebrates with guard Mardrez McBride (1) and guard Javion Hamlet (3) during overtime against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

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CUSA Basketball Middle Tennessee Raiders forward, and CUSA Player of the Year, Shawn Jones Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Shawn Jones

A 6’8 center from Hialeah, Florida, Jones actually arrived at Middle Tennessee way back in 2010 when the school was still in the Sun Belt. He was a bench player early in his career but developed into a more significant role later on. However, the Blue Raiders joined the CUSA in 2013 and his senior season was certainly worth talking about.

Jones averaged 14.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game in that final collegiate campaign, leading the Blue Raiders to a CUSA regular season title. He had a 20-rebound game early against Maine and dropped 16 points and 18 rebounds in his final regular season game at UAB. Middle Tennessee was upended in the conference tournament, but Jones was clearly still a massive contributor.

After showing his potential in his first few seasons, Jones really shined as a senior, winning CUSA Player of the Year in Middle Tennessee’s first season in their new conference. He was the league’s top rebounder and had a solid offensive and defensive game in a dazzling season for the Blue Raiders. Jones developed into a pretty good shot blocker as well and keyed what was a great introduction for Middle Tennessee into their new conference digs.