The Terrence Jones Question
Posted by jstevrtc on May 2nd, 2010First off, let’s get this out of the way — as of this writing (a few minutes after midnight on Sunday), there is no new development. As Chevy Chase used to say: “This breaking news just in — Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.”
By now, you’ve heard the story. Terrence Jones, ranked ninth on the most recent ESPN-U 100 list of high school senior hoopsters, had his press conference at his high school on Friday to announce where he’d be attending college. He had a table with six hats on display — Kansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, UCLA, Washington, and Kentucky. After some emotional thank-yous, he proclaimed that he still hadn’t come to a decision, and that he was literally choosing a college at that very moment. He pump-faked toward the Kansas hat, then chose the lid from Washington. As you’d expect from a crowd at what sounded like a pro-Washington Huskies high school, the choice led to much rejoicing, and a hug from Jones’ high school (and presumptive college) teammate, Terrence Ross, ranked 30th on the same ESPN-U 100 list. Jones did not sign a letter of intent at the event.
Later on Friday, the Seattle Times reported that Jones was wavering on his decision. Jones evidently called Kentucky coach John Calipari and there was a 15-minute conversation, though nobody knows what was said. By Friday night, nobody — including Terrence Jones — was sure where anybody stood. The Times‘ Percy Allen, who has been absolutely all over this story, wrote yesterday that he expected more developments on Saturday. No news came.
If you thought that Jones added that “I still haven’t made a decision” bit for show, you’re wrong. Jones was telling the truth, there. If a recruit is confident in his decision, unless it’s to say something along the lines of, “Thanks for your efforts, but I’ve decided to go elsewhere,” you don’t call another program’s coach mere minutes after you’ve committed to another school. This was a kid who, despite the arrival of the deadline he set and the announcement party being in full swing, still didn’t and doesn’t know where he wants to spend his college days, whether it’s for one year or five.