Damian Jones
PF/C, 6-10, 235
Freshman, 18 years old
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Season (26 mpg): 11 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG
54% FG
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Arkansas 77, Vanderbilt 75
February 8, 2014 | Memorial Gymnasium (Nashville, TN)
Damian Jones — PF/C, 6-10, 235
Freshman, 18 years old
Season (24 mpg): 11 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 3 Fouls
Game: 12 pts, 7 rbs, 2 blks
4-6 FG
Outlook: A late bloomer on the high school circuit last season, Jones is a fast-improving big man with speed, agility, and next-level athleticism. At 6-10, he is a human trampoline in the half court, with the ability to seal his man or receive a drop off and quickly rise for a dunk. He has a soft jump hook in the post, can seal his man on the glass, and is athletic as hell.
An engineering major who boasted a 4.0 GPA in high school, Jones is a smart player who has a chance to become one of the best big men in the SEC. He needs to improve his free throw shooting (53% on 4 attempts per game), and add at least 25 pounds, but his combination of shot blocking, athleticism for his size, and touch in the paint are a foundation for a very high ceiling.
From playing third fiddle to Julius Randle (Kentucky) and Matt Jones (Duke) on the Texas Titans, to cementing himself as the future of Vanderbilt, Jones is getting better in a hurry. Mobile, athletic, and a developing post game. If his interior game continues to develop, Jones will become an NBA prospect soon enough.
Video (#30)
12 points vs. Arkansas
Contesting shots (small snippet)