Hoops - Maryland Guard backs out of commitment

Top 40 Guard Jeff Jones (class of 2007) has decommitted from Maryland's hoops program and is back on the market, citing relationship issues since the departure of assistant coach Rob Moxley (to Charlotte). Prior to his committment to Gary Williams, he was considering Georgia Tech, UVA, UNC, NCST and some Big East teams.


So Georgia Tech recruitniks are asking - is GT in the running? Are they interested? Not sure I have the answer, but here are some thoughts:


1. Tech is looking to fill only one more slot for the class of 2007 to go with Gani Lawall and Lance Storrs


2. They were looking for a Point Guard to fill that slot as the heir apparent to Javaris Crittenton, particularly if he leaves after one season. Ideally, JC stays at least 2 seasons, and the next guy in line gets groomed for at least one season without having to run the team as a starter.


3. If Jones is considered by the staff to be a pure Scoring Guard, then I doubt they make a run at him. With Storrs on board, they have a solid 4-year "glue guy" who does a lot of little things. Jones is considered more of an impact player, but Storrs is the proverbial "bird in the hand" right now. He's on board and we're on board with him. If Jones is a pure SG, my guess is - he snoozed, he loses.


4. If Jones is considered by the staff to be a legitimate Point Guard option, then I see them taking a serious run for a committment. He would basically be vying with guys like Mo Miller, Tyrel Reed, Chris Wright and Jamelle McMillan.


5. One interesting note - Thaddeus Young, Javaris Crittenton AND Jeff Jones will be playing together at the Junior World Championship in Douai, France June 8-11 - link here... Nike Team USA will include TY / JC (GT), Marcus Williams (AZ), Brook / Robin Lopez (Stanford 7 foot twins), Nic Wise (FL), Chase Budinger (AZ), Samardo Samuels (high school), Vernon Macklin (Georgetown). I know the website does not list Jones, but the team has added Jones and Nick Calathes (FL) to increase perimeter depth and flexibility. I'm not sure exactly what that will mean in this, but it's interesting for sure...... Here's another link with the updated roster...


6. Many Maryland fans seem to think that GT is the front-runner for Jones, for whatever that is worth - probably not much.


7. Lastly, there is a lot of chatter on the 'net about his father's involvement in his recruiting and pulling the strings in the process. Who knows if it's similar to a Zam situation, but just thought I would point this out. Of course this is nothing but speculation, so now you can disregard it.


H.S. guard reneges on commitment to Maryland - baltimoresun.com