Both of Texas’ McDonald’s All-Americans from its 2016 class will test the NBA waters.
Andrew Jones will declare for the draft, but will not hire an agent, according to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman.
Texas freshman Andrew Jones will test the NBA Waters and declare, but won't sign with an agent, source told ESPN.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 30, 2017
The 6-foot-4 guard joins Jarrett Allen, the Longhorns’ star center, in utilizing the rule change that became available to players last year in which they can declare, workout for teams, attend the NBA combine and still return to school.
Jones averaged 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game as a freshman. He shot 42.5 percent from the field overall and 32.8 percent from 3-point range.
Allen seems the likelier candidate to remain in the draft as a potential lottery pick, but Jones came to Austin with similar one-and-done possibilities given his status as one of the class’ top recruits.
Texas, of course, is hoping both return, not just because they’re both big talents, but because incoming and highly-touted recruit Matt Coleman fills the major hole in last year’s lineup - point guard. If the three of them can share the floor together, Year 3 of the Shaka Smart era will be much more interesting.