Tre Jones made the surprise decision to return to Duke for a second season, passing up on a potential first-round selection. Now he’s primed for lottery consideration, once again spearheading the Blue Devils’ offense as one of college basketball’s top point guards.
At 6-foot-2 with limited athleticism, there’s a natural ceiling on Jones’ NBA potential. But his sky-high I.Q., great point of attack defense and competitiveness are enough to overcome a small frame at the next level. He’s going to find ways to contribute.
While his defense won’t be as prolific in the NBA, Jones should guard his position well. His penchant for advanced reads should speed up his transition to NBA pace. If Jones can iron out an inconsistent jumper, his role — as a solid backup point guard, at the very least — is clear.