Jones commitment is gigantic statement made by Smart
The importance of Shaka Smart gaining a commitment from Andrew Jones can't be overstated. This one is going to be felt for a long time.
About Jones…
We've seen Jones at EYBL session three in Houston (two games); Great American Shootout (one game); Las Vegas Fab 48 (two games); and Thanksgiving Hoopfest (one game).
The most noticeable area of Jones' improvement is probably his poise and confidence on the floor. Each time we've seen the four-star guard, he seems more comfortable in what he's doing on the hardwood. Jones plays with a lot of energy and doesn't shy away from big moments. When going head-to-head against Fox at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, Jones immediately announced his presence on one of the game's first possessions by drilling a three from deep beyond the arc, and then did his signature three-point celebratory gesture on the way back down the floor.
With the ball in his hands, Jones is dynamite coming off of screens and a true threat in the pick-and-roll because of his ability to get to the rim with explosiveness and size and his instinctive feel for distributing the basketball to open teammates. Add in that his mid-range jumper is improving and he's consistently showed improved range from deep, and you have an elite guard that's a nightmare to defend that also happens to be nearly 6-5 with some strength. He's become basically impossible to press because of his quickness, speed, handle, and ability to lure defense into the position he wants it to go to. Although he's labeled often as a combo guard, make no mistake about it, Jones has legitimate point guard feel on the floor and will run the one at the next level.
Defensively, Jones' length and athleticism allow him to frustrate ball-handlers, and he's shown some solid ability off-the-ball when it comes to aggressively challenging shots at the rim. He's a prime candidate to fit a pressing style because of his instincts, energy, length, and quickness.
Not only is Jones supremely talented, but he fits what Smart and his staff look for mentally. Prospects like Jones don't suddenly go from barely recruited to eventual five-star status without hard work and confidence.
When the McDonald's All-American Game roster is announced, Jones has a shot to be on it. This is a prospect that is a future pro.
What does this mean for Texas?
The commitment is enormous for Texas and Smart for many reasons, but this really puts Smart on the map in Texas. Not only is it a gigantic recruiting win, but the new Texas head coach was able to win over a Dallas-area prospect despite heavy competition. This is a signal to the state that it's cool for top prospects to go to Texas and play for its new head coach, and also a statement to the rest of the country that Smart is able to go head-to-head with big programs and land a five-star (Jones will get there soon) prospect.
When we look back in a couple of years, there's a strong likelihood that Smart winning Jones' recruitment was one of the most important days of the early portion of his tenure, and helped paved the way for top prospects in the state of Texas to end up in Austin. In the meantime, you'd have to think that Jones' commitment has an effect on Texas' pursuit of five-star big man and local product Jarrett Allen.
As soon as Jones steps on campus, he'll be able to make an immediate impact playing the point and playing off the ball as well.