Overview
Lajae Jones arrived at Duncan U. Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach, Florida and left it a star. As a senior he was named district player of the year, earned first-team all-state honors, captained the team for a second time, and averaged 20.7 points and 7.4 rebounds. He signed with Tarleton State and barely played as a freshman, then rebuilt his stock in junior college. At Barton Community College he won an NJCAA national title on a 36-1 team, claimed Tournament MVP, and made the All-American second team. From there he climbed to St. Bonaventure and finally Florida State, his fourth school in four years. As a Seminole senior, Jones posted 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in 29.5 minutes per game while shooting 42.7%/32.5%/76.3% on 5.1 three-point attempts per game. And he saved his best for last, dropping 28 points on Duke in his final college game. His season earned him ACC All-Tournament Second Team honors.
Analysis
Built solid with quick lateral feet, Jones switches across the perimeter, bodies up bigger wings, and stays glued through pick-and-rolls. He plays with motor and rebounds hard. With great athleticism, he runs the floor hard and finishes above the rim through contact. His perimeter jumper has room to grow, and a clean free-throw stroke hints at the touch to get there. Jones was sharper from deep earlier in his career. As a senior, he did most of his damage inside the flow of the offense.
Projection
Jones projects as a 3-and-D wing who earns his minutes with defense, rebounding, and pure energy. His value does not depend on touches, which makes him easy to plug into almost any lineup. A team that already has shot creation gets a player who does the connective work most rosters need. NBA comparisons to Jones can be made to players like Josh Okogie and David Roddy.
— Profile by RotoWire.com