Many Draft experts were surprised that Baylor University freshman Perry Jones decided to pull out of the 2011 NBA Draft even though he was projected as a surefire Top 10 pick. Instead he chose to return to school in hopes of both improving his Draft stock and competing for a National Championship.
Although he suffered through some growing pains during his initial season with the Bears, Jones has the unique combination of elite level athleticism and offensive skill that extends to the 3 point line, all packed into a chiseled 6’11 frame. Because of his extreme length, Jones also projects as a potentially elite level defensive player as well.
After finishing his career at Duncanville, TX as a consensus Top 10 high school recruit in the 2010 Class, Jones was wooed by Coach Drew to help bolster a stacked frontcourt at Baylor alongside Quincy Acy, J’mison Morgan, and Anthony Morgan.
Even though Perry showed flashed of his limitless potential by averaging 13.9 ppg, 7.2 rebs, 1 block, and shooting nearly 55% from the field, the Bears finished a mediocre 18-13, missing the NCAA Tournament. Many point to the now graduated LaceDarius Dunn’s shoot first mentality and lack of high caliber PG play as reasons for the Bear’s disappointing season.
But after coach Drew has reeled in the #11 rated recruiting class in the country, led by Top 10 rated Quincy Miller, highlight reel dunker Deuce Bello, and #1 rated JUCO player Pierre Jackson at the point, Baylor could make some serious noise in the restructured Big 12 Conference this season.
Fresh of Baylor’s successful exhibition tour abroad, Jones made a trip back to his roots, visiting his old stomping grounds at Duncanville HS for a series of pickup games/workouts. During those contests Jones showcased just why NBA executives are drooling over his potential as an NBA player someday.
Check out Perry Jones putting on a dunk clinic at his old HS:
[blip.tv http://blip.tv/play/hss2gs7kPQI]
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen also provides content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
