Mean Green Signs Mike Jones

[SNAKE3]

Mean Green Signs Mike Jones To National Letter Of Intent

DENTON - The North Texas men's basketball team signed McClennan Community College transfer Mike Jones to a national letter of intent on the first day of the early signing period Wednesday.

Jones, a 6-7 forward who weighs 208 lbs., played high school ball at Lancaster and was a member of the McClennan CC team during the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons. He is sitting out this season to complete the academic requirements necessary to transfer to a Division I university.

"We are very excited about signing Mike," said North Texas head coach Johnny Jones. "We think he will be a great addition to our program. With three graduating seniors from this year's team, there will be a void left and we feel that with Mike we have taken the necessary steps in the right direction to start filling those positions."

During Jones' career at MCC, he averaged an impressive 19.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. While leading the Highlanders to a 37-24 record in two seasons and a second-place finish in the NTJCAC, he earned All-Region and All-America honors and was the conference Player of the Year Runner-up in 2001-02.

"Mike is a complete player," said Wendall Hudson, Jones' coach at MCC. "He plays hard on both ends of the court and is an outstanding three-point shooter. Mike doesn't do anything he can't do, but still gets the job done. If you need a key basket, he'll make it, and if you need a big rebound, he'll get it. On top of his abilities as a basketball player, he is one of the best individuals you will ever be around. I feel like he made a good choice in North Texas and North Texas made a good choice in him because he is outstanding both on and off the court."

While competing at Lancaster HS under head coach Joe Rushing, Jones earned First Team All-District Honors and averaged 15 points and nine rebounds per game.

"Mike brings a lot of toughness with him," said Rushing. "He will go to the boards very hard and he's not afraid to take a big shot. Mike's a real competitor that is very passionate about basketball and will lay it on the line every game."

[MeanGreenHoops]

Coach Jones obviously likes the 6' 7' guy who can handle the ball shoot and rebound. Kind of like the Illinois team back in the late '80's who had like 7 guys all in the 6' 7" to 6' 8" range that used to whip teams.

One thing very exciting was to see DeGrate grab a rebound then lead a fast break down the court. This it not something I can remember seeing at NT since Tony Worrell. A big guy who can move and handle the ball.