Jones’ college choice not the complete story

Kevin McCarthy
 

The headlines read so-and-so is going to be playing basketball at this school or that school. But what is often missing is how each youngster got to that destination. Here’s an inside look at the journey of Newark Memorial’s Chris Jones that led the 6-foot-4 guard to his college decision.

Being courted by college coaches is an arduous experience for any recruit

Chris Jones has done it.

That is, signing a letter-of-intent making official what has been known for some time-- that he will be a student-athlete at Fresno State University next school year playing basketball for Coach Steve Cleveland.

But how did he arrive at this decision? What were the factors in finalizing his choice and the other options he considered?

Recently, we had the opportunity to talk with Chris Jones and his father, Pastor Horacio Jones. They provided a behind-the-scenes backdrop of the decision; one that may provide some guidance for other student-athletes and their parents.

So, here is a back-to-the-future type format:

While in the 8th grade, Jones received his very first correspondence from a school. It came from the Naval Academy. Yes, an Admiral Jones may have been in the future of our country if he had jumped at the opportunity instigated by his initial suitor.

What was Jones reaction? "I was very excited," he said. "It felt like I had accomplished something and it made me aware that I was a known prospect."

Then during his freshman season, a member of the Pac-10 came to take a look-see. It wasn’t Lute Olson himself but still an Arizona assistant coach traveled to the Bay Area to grab a very early look at the budding Jones.

All along, Jones continued with his high school play and club team schedule, working to improve his skills set, pondering his options and realizing his future could be special.

In the spring of his sophomore season, one of the landmark moments for every young person in the recruiting process took place. San Jose State, its credibility bolstered by the hiring of Bay Area native George Nessman as head coach, jumped in first and offered Jones a scholarship. Nessman had become well-acquainted with Jones’ potential while an assistant at California and envisioned Jones as a solid component in his rebuilding process in the South Bay.

"I wanted to say yes," Jones offered when asked about his reaction to the initial offer.

But it was too early to do so. Gauging the interest of other schools and exploring what other opportunities might be available was important to continue.

The San Jose State offer was followed by one from Texas Christian University (TCU). But a change in the coaching staff in Fort Worth resulted in TCU pulling away and focusing elsewhere, aptly demonstrating the fluidity that reigns in college recruiting.

Then the deluge hit with more ingredients thickening the plot. Miami and Washington State, along with Santa Clara, UNLV, Washington, USF, Pepperdine and UC Santa Barbara all made contact with Jones, expressing various degrees of interest. Plus, San Jose State continued its courtship.

According to Chris, "I started hearing from the ACC, schools such as Miami and I was even more excited than when I received my first letter. Then some Pac-10 schools began calling as well."

A key piece of advice was supplied right around this time by Horacio Jones. "My father would tell that the conference is not as important as finding the right fit," the younger Jones recalled.

Once the high school basketball season ends in late February, club team play begins, extending through summer. Jones was on wider display during this timeframe and the pressure ratcheted up.

Jones began making critical use of unofficial visits, touring campuses on his family’s dime in order to get a better feel for a school and basketball program--information he used in adding to and lessening his choices. His tours included St. Mary’s, Santa Clara, Portland, Loyola Marymount and San Jose State. "Sometimes I felt I wanted to get it all over with and make a commitment right then and there," Jones said.

Fresno State, a late arrival, first entered the picture in April 2007. Jones warmed up quickly to Coach Steve Cleveland and his staff but still remained non-committal.

Fresno’s belated entry wasn’t off-putting to Jones. "It really didn’t matter that they entered after some of the others," he said, "[Assistant] Coach [Senque] Carey and the entire staff began to follow my games. Although I really did not pay much attention to who or what coaches followed us, I did notice the consistency of San Jose State and Fresno State."

Finally, after his third unofficial trip to the Fresno State campus, Jones announced in late August that he was going to become a Fresno State Bulldog.

"It was really hard to choose between San Jose State and Fresno State," Jones said regarding his final two options. "But I really liked the Fresno coaches, plus the players I met, and the Save Mart Center is great," he said. Fresno State’s basketball venue has 32 private suites and a seating capacity of 15,000 or so, having been built just four years ago.

But prior to making his actual announcement, Jones called each of the coaching staffs in the running. The phones rang in the basketball offices at San Jose State, St. Mary’s, Portland, Loyola Marymount and USF, with Jones providing his decision. Then he dialed up Fresno State to let Steve Cleveland know of his good fortune.

Once off the phone, Jones felt immediate relief. "I felt good, like I had a lot of weight lifted off my shoulders," he said.

Jones’ father also felt a liberation. "This was the first major decision Chris had to make in his life," said Horacio Jones. "The tension builds up knowing that you can only say yes to one coach."

Interestingly, the elder Jones also had this reaction. "You get used to talking to coaches all the time so initially it’s odd [for the phone not to be ringing] but then you adjust. It’s like eating certain food and then having to diet."

And despite the recruiting horror stories about phonecalls and contacts from other coaching staffs after a verbal has been given, none of this occurred in Jones’ situation. "Each coach I called accepted my decision and wished me the best," said Jones.

Now, it’s on to his senior season with his future--at least the next four years--outlined.