Recruiting Report: Messiah Jones (2018)

Simeon 2018 power forward Messiah Jones is the top uncommitted post player in the state as he sits at #10 overall in the final PrepHoopsIllinois rankings.  Jones decommitted from Drake recently and received a full release from the Missouri Valley program after their coaching change.  We caught up with Jones to get the latest on where things stand with his recruitment. Jones told us the schools that have reached out to this point. “I’ve been hearing from Furman, Florida Atlantic, McNeese State, Winthrop, Hampton, Bradley, UT-Martin, Missouri State, Indiana State, Portland State, and Towson.” He has two scholarships on the table since he reopened things back up. “McNeese State and Wofford.” What are his plans for taking visits to schools? “I’ll be talking about that this week coming up.” Jones chatted about what he feels he can bring to a team at the next level. “I can bring versatility.  Most teams I would say don’t have a player like me yet.  I love to work hard and do all the dirty work.  I may be 6’6”, but I play like I’m 6’10”.  I’ll out work any player on the court.” What is he looking for in a school? “I just want a school I can work hard at on and off the court.  With a coach that wants to win just as bad as I do because I know when I step on the court I am going to give it all I got.” Jones is a 6’6” power forward that is an elite level athlete.  Great getting on the offensive glass using his quickness around the hoop to finish at the rim.  Second jump is outstanding.  Has the ability to hit jumpers from mid-range.  Also can attack from the high-post converting with explosion at the rim.  Passes it well when facing up.  Big time rebounder despite being undersized with his explosive jumping ability. He would be a nice late addition at the mid-major level and a no brainer for low-majors.