St. John’s transfer David Jones arrived in Memphis on Thursday night, sources tell the Tiger Blueprint. Visa issues were the delay in the Dominican Republic native’s arrival on campus. He is the eighth and final member of Memphis’ talented transfer class to make it to the 901.
Penny Hardaway and company still await a waiver announcement on DeAndre Williams. They also await news on freshman Mikey Williams, whose preliminary court hearing was pushed back for a third time, this time to October 10th.
What This Means for Memphis
David Jones is a projected starter for Memphis, likely slotting in at the small forward position.
The St. John’s transfer is an uber-talented scorer, something he showcased against Memphis during the team’s foreign trip in early August. Playing for the Dominican Republic National Team in an exhibition contest, Jones scored 12 points on 5/5 shooting from the floor.
Last season, he averaged 13.2 PPG and 6.8 RPG for the Red Storm. As the #1 option, however, Jones was asked to do a bit too much. He wasn’t very efficient, only shooting 39.2% from the field and 29.4% from beyond the arc. Jones will likely have a smaller role for the Tigers with players like Jahvon Quinerly, Caleb Mills, Jordan Brown, and others around him. Jones will take a leap with his efficiency if he cleans up some bad shot selection and has a smooth transition into his new role.
The Film
David Jones profiles as a volume scorer on the perimeter. The 6’6, 210 forward has a powerful build but moves well and has a nifty handle for his size. Jones is athletic, which translates on both ends of the floor. His athleticism also makes him effective off the ball, where he should succeed as a lob threat and play finisher with Memphis’ playmakers.
The senior has impressive scoring talent and can create plenty of separation as an on-ball creator. He loves the mid-range area where he can rise for easy buckets, but Jones can also step out and shoot it from deep. He is a highly versatile scorer with plenty of moves in his bag. On the perimeter, he loves going to his step back but also possesses a sidestep and pump fake to get himself open. He can go to work in the post, too, using his size and physicality to finish over smaller defenders.
Season Projection
David Jones is one of the most underrated players in the nation and should thrive for Memphis this season. Expect Jones to improve his efficiency while maintaining his scoring production in a lesser role.
Expect Jones to play various roles for the Tigers, depending on the lineup on the court. He can play at the shooting guard and small forward positions and slot into the four spot in small-ball lineups.
Jones can bring the ball up the floor and run the offense at times. However, he should primarily operate as an off-ball threat. He’ll succeed as a spot-up shooter and can take defenders off the bounce, too. Penny Hardaway will task the versatile wing with creating in the late shot clock due to his scoring acumen.
Overall, expect David Jones to have an All-AAC caliber season for Memphis. As one of the better wings in the conference, he should average over 10 PPG while contributing defensively, on the glass, and as a playmaker. And if DeAndre Williams doesn’t return for the Tigers, don’t be shocked if Jones steps up and puts himself in contention for AAC POTY. Memphis got a good one.
