Prospect Spotlight: Javaun Jones (2018)
Javaun Jones is a 6’1 point guard from Chief Stealth High School located in Seattle, Washington.
There was a time where the point guard was just a utility player. Your Bring the ball up the floor, call a play, and set up your teammates. The point guard position has evolved and so has the players. Your typical point guard can do it all. Rebound, defend, score and posturize opposing players. You think of Westbrook, Wall, Lillard, Irving just to name a few. Those guards average more points than assist. Now that the paint is wide open, you want to have guards on your roster who can attack the seams and create shot opportunities for themselves and for their teammates.
Javaun Jones is the more modern version of the point guard position. Standing at 6’1, Jones is a powerful guard with incredible speed in transition. Once he gets downhill, you cannot contain him. Jones stock rose due to his improvement shooting the ball. He has had a great summer where he has showed off his skills in transition but also his ability to play off the ball and hit shots. His mid-range game has started to peak. Off screens set by his big men, he is very dangerous.
I was able to catch up with the young guard and ask him about what he thought the best part of his game was?
“I can get to the rim at will. I am a willing and able passer but my strengths are scoring and shooting. With my speed, I am able to beat the defense down the floor, which makes it hard for them to load up on me. I know at the next level, I will need to be more of a traditional point guard, which I am capable of doing. As of right now my coach needs me to put up points.”
What is recruitment looking like for you?
“Going into my senior year things are starting to pick up. Though I have not had any offers, I have turned the heads of a couple of schools in the nearby area. My goal is to land some offers by the end of the summer and really find a perfect fit for my game. My education is most important and getting my degree is a must so whatever program I go to will have a good track record on their athletes graduating.”
Javaun has played for Excel Prep the past couple of years and described his experience as…
“Playing for this program has been a blessing. We are all like family and we get along. My coaching staff wanted to bring that college feel to our program so it prepares you more for the next level. Our workouts are intense and we focus a lot on dieting and nutrition. My coach always talks about the responsibility of being a student athlete and the type of adversity we will face at the next level. Maturing as a man and athlete are important and I look forward to challenges that lie ahead.”
Javaun has the poise, skill and maturity to play at a high level. Most D2 schools should start to take notice this summer.