UCLA Lands Laz
The wait wasn't long, but it was a tough one.
Lazeric Jones returned from his visit to UCLA early last week and Bruin fans scoured the message boards waiting for his commitment. He talked about how much he enjoyed the trip, made the obligatory comments about talking it over with his family, and said he was very interested in UCLA.
But he didn't commit.
Now, he has.
The Logan (Ill.) Junior College point guard, whom many consider the No. 1 JC PG in the country, verbally committed to UCLA on Sunday, a welcome addition to a team that desperately needs young point guards.
"Coming home and talking to my family about my trip, I really liked the coaching staff," Jones said. "I have a chance to grow up with the team. This is a young team, and I see that the player do have a tremendous amount of talent, but they're just growing up. With me coming in, I can try to build with the team."
Ultimately, Jones picked the Bruins over Nevada and Wisconsin, but his visit to Westwood - and his chance to meet the players - sealed the deal.
"Nevada was in the mix, Wisconsin, too, but this trip really pushed me over the top," Jones said. "I see how they've been with other players. They have a winning tradition, and that's great. I consider myself a winner, and I want to be a winner with them."
This season, wins have been few and far between for the baby Bruins.
Despite today's big win over Delaware State, UCLA has struggled offensively.
Jones believes he can help on the other end.
"Defensively, I've really improved, guarding my position," Jones said. "That's really one of my strengths. Coach Howland really preaches about defense, and I want to help there. But offensively, I feel like I can be a coach on the floor, an extension of Coach Howland. I want to help the team by scoring when they need me, but I want to create."
If anything, this season's lack of success actually helped the Bruins land Jones.
"That kind of had to do with it, but much more it had to do with how the team is," Jones said. "This is a down year, but it won't be like this at UCLA. Once I get there, I can grow up with the players, also. I'm still a young guy. I think we can really do good things."
Once his years are up, though, he hopes to head in the direction of past UCLA point guards, all the way to the NBA.
"I feel that the coaching staff can really take me to that level," Jones said. "I'm sure all the players came in really good, but no one comes in great. I really like how Russell Westbrook came in and worked really hard and worked on getting his game to the next level. Ultimately, like any other kid, that's my ultimate goal. I think they can help me get there."
Good story, Jon.
Jon - So what do you think about the chances of Ray McCallum also committing to UCLA? Between Jones, McCallum, and Anderson, who do you think will be the starting PG?
How many seasons of eligibility does Jones have? Also, is it correct to assume he is eligible right away? Finally, it seems nearly impossible to get JC football transfers admitted on the academic side...what is Jones' status?
This is great news. Hope this doesn't cost us McCallum, but nice to know we finally have a scoring option at PG.
I will never ever play again if McCallum and Jones come to UCLA because I haven't learned how to take care of the ball yet
This is great news and the best scenario if he is as good as billed!!
He has good grades and will get in to UCLA.
He can play with/out Jerime Anderson and it is better if Anderson stays. He will get better as he gets more confident and visa versa.
My guess McCallum isnt coming, look for a 3* local kid to come in and back up Jones/Anderson.
Can we bring him in for the Winter Quarter? Wishful thinking. Good pick up. Howland is showing the intestinal fortitude to do what is takes to win and improve our deficiencies, as evidenced by his first JC recruit.
when can he start
Charlie Bucket spent his Sunday trolling on various Inside USC posts.
SELF-REPORTING:
I spent Saturday laughing at soaking wet USC fans going past my place to their conciliatory game.
I spent Sunday touching myself inappropriately.
lol droog.
UNCONFIRMED REPORT:
Charlie Bucket touches himself inappropriately while watching wet USC fans...
but cries, not laughs while doing so.
Pfft - I cry EVERY time I touch myself inappropriately.
Besides, how did you figure those USC fans GOT wet?
Ha! Touche.