Recruitment has started to pick up more for 2020 6'6 prospect Dillon Jones, who is ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the state of South Carolina per Phenom Hoop Report.
Jones is coming off a tremendous season at Keenan, helping the Raiders secure a 30-1 record and an SC 3A state championship. He finished his junior season averaging 12.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.9 steals per game.
Everything has been going well for Jones and college have noticed his continuing development as a player.
'Everything has been going good,' Dillon told Phenom Hoop Report. 'Just been developing. Paying attention to the small things because I know one day it will take me over the hump. I won my first state championship, so now that the summer is here, I think it is time I show where I believe.'
Jones hopes to continue his success this summer, as he runs with Upward Stars. He has been focusing a lot of developing his overall game, as well as showing that he belongs with the best in the state. Some of his main focuses with his game though has been his shooting, getting up reps every day.
'I've improved my shooting a lot. I feel like I could always shoot the ball, I just wasn't a guy that takes a lot of them. So, I just continued to get my reps and improve day-by-day. I knew it couldn't happen overnight. My focus though this offseason is to be a lockdown defender as well. Guarding the team's best player; I want to take on that challenge because I know it all starts with heart.'
Programs have noticed, as Jones has picked up offers from Appalachian State, Charlotte, Hofstra, and Coastal Carolina recently, adding to his list of Charleston Southern, South Carolina, Presbyterian, USC Upstate, College of Charleston, and SC State. He has also received interest from Providence, Tulsa, Liberty, Murray State, North Florida, and Florida Gulf Coast.
Jones spoke in detail about a few schools that have offered, saying this about each one.
College of Charleston: 'I love Earl Grant and the program. They are a program on the rise.'
Charlotte: 'You have to love Coach Sanchez and his staff. They have a great vision with the program, being that they have only been there one year. Should be interesting.'
Hofstra: 'I talk to Coach Speedy Claxton a lot. I know he was a pro and went to Hofstra as well. We connect well because he understands the situation and what we can do for myself and Hofstra as well.'
Appalachian State: 'Coach Kerns offered me while at Presbyterian, so when he got the job, he called me to let me know I have an offer to Appalachian State as well. Good coach obviously after turning around the entire Presbyterian program.'
Coastal Carolina: 'Me and Coach Days talk a lot, not even about basketball all the time. We talk a lot about music and God. Me and him have a good relationship.'
Charleston Southern: 'Their program is also on the rise. They are defensive-minded, just like my high school. They had a great year this year.'
North Florida and Liberty have expressed that they love that he can play anywhere on the court, position-less basketball. They, along with others, will be watching this spring.
Jones hopes to continue to find success this spring and summer, as he looks to showcase his hard work and development as a prospect. But what he has shown so far, he will for sure be a name to watch as he heads into his senior year.
What has been said by Phenom Hoop Report:
'Jones is the epitome of production. He carries a unique skill set as he is someone who is able to initiate offense as well as rebound at a ridiculous rate. Jones has great court awareness and IQ and is able to deliver passes in both the half court and leading the break. Throughout the course of the game, you would oftentimes find Jones with the ball in his hands calling the plays. He has a good change of pace and is a very instinctual defender.' – Bojangles Bash in 2018