Apple Valley’s Tre Jones to enter NBA Draft
FILE - In this March 7, 2020, file photo, Duke guard Tre Jones (3) reacts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina in Durham, N.C. Jones said Saturday, March 21, 2020, that he will enter the NBA draft.[Associated Press]
Duke sophomore Tre Jones says he will enter the NBA draft.
The point guard was named to the third team of The Associated Press All-America team on Friday after being named Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year by the league and runner-up for the same award from the AP.
Jones averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 assists for the Blue Devils, the highlight being his buzzer-beating shot off his own intentionally missed free throw to force overtime in a wild comeback win at North Carolina on Feb. 8.
In a statement released by the school Saturday, Jones said his goal was to win a national championship and he had thought about “what if” in light of the NCAA Tournament being canceled due to the spread of the coronavirus. But Jones said he appreciated “the amazing experiences and relationships” from two years with the Blue Devils, who reached an NCAA regional final in his freshman year.
In a statement, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski called Jones “the heart and soul of our program” over his two seasons and “such a pleasure to coach.”
Team spokesman Mike DeGeorge said Saturday that Jones has not yet hired an agent.
Jones was a part of two Apple Valley High School state championship teams in 2015 and 2017. His older brother, Tyus, plays for the Memphis Grizzlies.