By: Justin Girshon
March 31, 2020
Photo via accsports.com
Value
Durability
In his Freshman year at Duke, Jones set the all-time University record in assist-turnover ratio (3.62) breaking Steve Wojciechowski’s record of 3.03 from 1997. In his Sophmore year, Jones’ assist-turnover ratio fell to 2.37 (still good for 35th amongst all D1 players) but this is a direct result of becoming a top scoring option. It is safe to assume that Jones’ assist-turnover ratio in the NBA will be closer to his Freshman year number because he likely won’t be relied on to score and has already proven his durability playing alongside 3 NBA players in his Freshman year (Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Cam Reddish). In addition to his superb assist-turnover ratio, Jones is a workhorse. In his Freshman year, Jones averaged 34.2 minutes per game (85.5% of a game) and in his Sophmore year, he averaged 35.4 minutes per game (88.5%) of the game. Although it’s unlikely Tre will get as much playing time in the NBA, when/if his name is called to play big minutes; he will be ready.
Photo via nypost.com
Lockdown Defender
Throughout his two year collegiate career, Jones has earned a reputation for being one of the best defenders in all of College Basketball. Jones is a 2x ACC All-Defensive Team recipient, 1x ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and a finalist for this year’s Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. In his Freshman year, Jones averaged 1.9 steals per game with a 96.0 defensive rating and his Sophmore year averaged 1.8 steals per game and a 93.9 defensive rating. On top of this, Jones has a great reputation for his on-ball defense. Jones applies constant pressure on opposing point guards, tips passes, contests shots, and is lock down on the perimeter.
Photo via si.com
Projected Draft Range:
19-28
Strengths:
– Perimeter defense
– On-ball defense
– High IQ
– Mid-range shooting
– Great floor general
– Clutch
-Leadership
– Hardworking
– NBA ready
Weaknesses:
– Still developing a consistent three point shot
– Slightly undersized
– Average athlete
– Doesn’t have as much upside as other point guards in the draft
Player Comparisons:
Shooting: Tyus Jones
Passing/Floor General: Fred VanVleet
Rebounding: Derrick Rose
Defense: Avery Bradley
Team fits (based on projected draft range):
– Celtics
– Nets
– Jazz
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I am a freshman studying magazine, news and digital journalism at the Syracuse University Newhouse School of Public Communications
