Mesa Dobson High School' s new 6-foot-8, 220-pound rising senior transfer post Torren Jones is blowing up this week in Las Vegas, Nevada, while playing for the California Supreme aau/club program, and has taken his college recruitment to the next level as a result.
Jones, currently regarded as our #2 overall prospect in Arizona's 2013 class and the #1 rated power forward in the class, could make a jump to the top spot in the overall rankings if he can continue his current streak of top performances throughout the remainder of this weekend in Vegas. On Thursday evening, in his team's big win over one of the nation's elite programs, the Oakland Soldiers, Jones went off in the game - finishing with a game-high 30 points in front of a large number of college coaches, media and spectators.
Many college programs took notice of Jones' performance in the big win, and will now look to be in hot pursuit of the talented post prospect.
I spoke with Jones earlier today, and he advised me that he currently has 9 division-I offers for himself on the table. Jones told me that he has received offers from such programs as Missouri, Washington, Washington State, Memphis, Oregon, New Mexico, UTEP and Colorado. He told me that he received his ninth offer today from Oregon State.
Jones was once the highest recruited prospect in Arizona's 2013 class, but saw his college recruitment tail off a bit over the past two years until now. Jones received a scholarship offer from the University of Arizona as a mere freshman - before he ever played a varsity high school basketball game at Basha HS. But that offer came from former U of A head coach and current Grand Canyon University head coach Russ Pennell. Since current Arizona head coach Sean Miller has taken over the helm at the school, the Wildcats have been reluctant to seriously recruit the talented post prospect, but a continued strong performance by Jones this week could change things.
Jones is a nice-looking prospect physically and has a striking similarity to the NBA's Kenneth Faried, so he has the potential to become a big-time talent for the future. His best asset is his motor which allows him to outwork other post players on the glass.
Where Jones will need his most focus will be in the classroom, as he will need to continue to work very hard to give himself an opportunity to become qualified academically.
I will continue to follow Jones' recruitment closely this off-season, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Jones is a nice athletic talent with very good size on his 6-foot-8, 220-pound frame. An excellent athlete with a very good motor, Jones is still somewhat raw offensively but his toughness and athleticism allow him to overpower his opponents. Currently, he is a rebounding and shotblocking force that gets his baskets off put-backs, slashing moves to the basket and in the open floor. An improved jump shot and more efficient low-post moves will be important in his arsenal for the future. An excellent rebounder that is difficult to keep off the offensive glass. An active shotblocker. Runs the floor with vigor and is a very good finisher. A good low-post defender that is capable of guarding quicker players on the perimeter, but he needs development in his defensive principles. Capable of getting in foul trouble. A big-time talent with major upside as a player. With dedication to his craft, he has the physical tools to become a force in the future. Competes. Has a very good attitude on and off the floor.
