Jones grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and boxed in addition to playing basketball.[1] He attended Evangelical Christian School, where he was coached by Willie Jenkins. Despite not being the most athletic player, Jones sometimes played at center to enhance his skills around the rim.[2] He averaged 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game as a sophomore and was named to the All-District team.[3] As a junior, Jones averaged 19.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.[4] Jones committed to playing college basketball for Marquette over offers from South Alabama and Florida.[5]
College career
Jones averaged 7.4 points per game as a freshman, earning Big East All-Freshman Team honors.[6] As a sophomore, Jones averaged 15.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.[7] He was named to the Second Team All-Big East.[8] In the NCAA Tournament, he scored 18 straight points in a 78–61 first round win against Vermont.[9] As a junior, Jones averaged 17.2 points, 2.4 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He helped Marquette reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.[10] As a senior, Jones averaged 19.2 points, 5.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game and was a consensus Second Team All-American.[11]
