(TSX / STATS) BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Tre Jones, the highly regarded brother of former Duke standout Tyus Jones, is following his brother’s lead.
Tre Jones announced Sunday in a video posted on Twitter that he will play his college basketball at Duke, becoming the first member of the Blue Devils’ 2018-19 class.
Jones, who is ranked as the nation’s top point guard recruit, chose Duke over UCLA, USC, Ohio State, Minnesota and Oregon. He is entering his senior season at Apple Valley High, located in Minnesota just south of Minneapolis.
“It is the best fit for me and is everything I’m looking for in a college,” Jones told ESPN.com. “They have been my dream school for years, and there is no better fit than there.”
Tyus Jones played one season at Duke and averaged 11.8 points and 5.6 assists while helping the Blue Devils win the 2015 national crown. He is entering his third season as a backup point guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Tre Jones admitted his brother’s experience was a factor in the decision-making process but not the clinching reason.
“Tyus going there helped a little bit, for sure,” Tre said. “It wasn’t a major factor, though. At the end of the day, Duke is the best fit for myself.”
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski first offered Tre Jones a scholarship in 2015, early in his sophomore year of high school. That left an impression on Jones.
“They have had a vision (for) me since they first offered me in 2015,” he said. “Their vision was something I didn’t even see in myself at the time. Coach K told me how I could be a great leader and loves my passion and competitiveness.
Photo credit – Scott Takushi / St. Paul Pioneer Press / Bloomington, MN
