Miami basketball alum James Jones ready for first NBA Draft as GM

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 23: James Jones #22 of the Miami Heat during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 23, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Heat defeated the Suns 95-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

Jones success off the court is a powerful selling point for Jim Larranaga and his coaching staff. The connections Jones has in the NBA and the path he has taken post-career are both examples that the Miami basketball staff can point to about the possibilities for their recruits and players. Larranaga’s son Jay is a Celtics assistant.

Jones was a part of two NCAA Tournament teams at Miami. The Hurricanes advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2000 during Jones freshman season. He did not become a significant part of the rotation until his sophomore season a year later. Jones earned third-team All-Big East during his Senior season in 2003.

Jones finished his Miami basketball career averaging 11.1 points per game, 5.0 rebounds,1.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.6 blocks. He shot 38.3 on three-point attempts and made 83.1 percent of his free throws in his Miami career. Befitting of the descriptions through Richardson’s article Jones did a lot of things well.

Jones received several off the court honors during his Miami basketball career. Maybe the most commendable was becoming only the second Miami basketball player to earn academic all-American honors. He was named to the second-team as a senior in 2003.

Home/Miami Hurricanes Basketball