MidStateHoops.com :: No Love For Jones?

Coming into his high school career Verdell Jones III was thought of as the state’s top 2008 player. However, due to the fact he didn’t compete with his varsity team his freshman season many began to look at the, then 6’1”, point guard as if he was very overrated. Though the, now 6’4”, playmaker has done everything possible to warrant consideration as the state’s top player, he still doesn’t get the respect he deserves.

Jones, who attends Champaign Central, has posted very solid numbers for the past two seasons. This past season he put up averages of 19 points and 8 assists and is expected to do the same, if not better this season. He’s a three-year varsity member and full time starter and has led the Maroons to numerous victories. With seasons of 25-4 and 24-7, Verdell has done virtually nothing but post victories against top notch competition yet is one of the most critized of the elite players throughout the state. Even after defeating Arizona freshman Jerryd Bayless (who was rated as a class of 2007 5-star) and Phoenix (AZ) St. Mary’s while putting up 28 points (shooting 58% from the field), dropping 8 assists, and hitting the game winning freethrows he is still not considered as a top five player in the state by most Illinois prep “experts”.

Though Jones keeps his recruitment quiet, we know Kentucky, Virginia, DePaul, Tennessee, Southern Illinois, Marquette, Illinois State, South Florida, and Xavier are among some of the schools who have offered scholarships. Also Kansas, Illinois, Florida, Arizona, Louisville, Arizona State, and UCLA are all actively involved. Though he is one of the most highly sought after recruits throughout the nation, he isn’t nearly as respected as a lot of other lesser recruited players on the state-wide scale.

Iman Shumpert is thought of by most as the state’s top player while many consider Jones a top ten-fifteen. When breaking down a comparison of the two players it is hard to see why Verdell isn’t considered the state’s top guard. Both are 6’4” with Iman being about 15 lbs heavier. Both are scoring threats that are equally as good at putting the ball in the basket from the 3 and the midrange area. The difference is Jones will add an additional 15 assists to his 25 points. Shumpert is a better defender because he is more athletic but Jones is just as good if not better on the offensive end as he scores just as well and is a much better passer with a higher IQ. Iman Shumpert is without a doubt the state’s top shooting guard but Verdell Jones should be highly considered as the state’s top player along with Shumpert.

When taking all these factors in to consideration it should be easy to see why Jones may be the state’s top player though most rate him in the ten-fifteen area. Why? It may be because he’s from Central Illinois...It may be because he doesn’t play on a Chicago-based shoe company-sponsored AAU team…It may be because he doesn’t attend local showcases and only spends time competing against national competition…Whatever the reason he has been very disrespected in regards to local rankings.

Jones has done what is most important in impressing college coaches. MSH believes he is certainly the state’s top point guard and just may be the state’s top player. When these players’ collegiate careers roll around, we can near guarantee that Verdell will be a lot more successful than most of the other highly regarded prospects from the state of Illinois.

MSH Player Video: Verdell Jones III v Jerryd Bayless