RECRUITING: Clark’s Jones commits to Wyoming
Diontae Jones wasn't looking for a college program that runs an up-tempo offense. Instead, the rising senior at Clark was focused on how schools performed on the other end of the court.
Jones, a versatile 6-foot-6-inch small forward, made an oral commitment Thursday to play at Wyoming, one of the top defensive teams in the Mountain West.
"Their style of ball fits my style. It's a good fit," Jones said. "Coach (Larry) Shyatt is a defensive-minded coach, and I'm a defensive player."
Jones chose the Cowboys over UC Santa Barbara and was also drawing interest from Colorado, Colorado State and Utah. His commitment is nonbinding, and the first day Jones can sign a national letter of intent is Nov. 13. Wyoming's coaches cannot comment until that time.
Jones averaged 13 points and a team-high 8.8 rebounds. He was a first-team All-Sunset Region pick after helping the Chargers go 29-3 and reach the Division I-A state final.
Jones expects to fit in well with Wyoming's possession-oriented system. The Cowboys led the Mountain West in points allowed per game (59.1) and turnover margin (+1.9) while finishing 20-14 last season.
"Defense is something I've always liked doing," Jones said. "I know my niche in this sport. I play defense and do all the little things that other players don't do.
"My mom (Dionne) is very tough. Defense is in my blood. It comes from her."
Jones returned from his visit to Wyoming on Wednesday and came away impressed with the environment in Laramie.
"The players are a real family, there's a real brotherhood," Jones said.
With his college choice out of the way, Jones said he is now concentrating on leading Clark back to the state title game.
"This year our team mindset is totally different," Jones said. "We know how to get there, we just have to finish. We all have the same goal."
Contact reporter David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidSchoenLVRJ.
