The stats do indeed show that Covington had a better TO/A ratio and that he rebounded a bit more. But I would still take JJ in a heartbeat. I think Jones has much more ability to step up and produce in different ways, depending on what is needed in a particular game. He can distribute the ball well (although I wish his TO/A ratio was better this year) and he can create his own shot and score just about any time he wants to. I don't think Covington had that type of versatility or scoring ability, even as a senior. And unless I'm mistaken, Covington was a lousy free throw shooter, whereas JJ is hitting at around a 90% clip (key in tight games). But the real thing that seals it for me is that JJ is only a sophomore, and he's had to navigate a major shift in offensive schemes this year. As good as he already is, I think Jones still has tremendous potential to improve, and I can't wait to see him as a senior. Without question he could develop into a very special player. No offense to Covington, but I think JJ is on a different rung of the talent ladder.
Let's break this down. Let's first address the "hard" numbers, mainly free throws. This poster is dead on -- Covington was a career 61% free throw shooter -- absolutely inexcusable for a guard. JJ, on the other hand, is a career 83% FT shooter, and is hitting near 90% this season. You can't ignore a 29% difference in freebies. What happens with a lead late in the game? Fouls. Who usually has the ball when the other team fouls you? The point guard. I overlooked this stat, and this poster is absolutely correct.
Now, the soft stuff, focusing on creating a shot. Again, this poster is correct. Jones can absolutely take over a possession, and a game. I really never saw Covington do that. He was great at distribution, but not at scoring. His career high was 23 points back in his junior year. He just wasn't a scorer.
Lastly, Jones' age. I said up front that Cov was my current selection to the all-time team. But Jones clearly has the potential the be the best by a large margin. I think Cov set some benchmarks for PG metrics (other than scoring and FT shooting) that JJ has yet to match. But JJ is redefining the PG position at OU -- he's something special now, and he's only a soph. Watch out. As another poster said, we can't even see JJ's ceiling yet because there is none. I agree, and look forward to watching him grow further.
Recruits
- Big Drew got back to it Wednesday night and scored 20 in a Lake Orion win over Rochester
- The Romeo Observer has recaps of Cush's performances last week
- Steve Bell lists players that are solidifying themselves as top college prospects. No surprise, Cush is the 2 wing.
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