Jones makes history, goes in 1st round

Posted Jun 24, 2010 by Scott Carter

Updated Jun 24, 2010 at 10:13 PM

By SCOTT CARTER
The Tampa Tribune

TAMPA – Dominique Jones made history in his final season at USF, and he made more history in Thursday night’s NBA draft, becoming the first USF player ever selected in the first round.

Memphis selected Jones with the 25th overall pick. Jones supplanted former Bull Solomon Jones as USF’s highest-drafted player. Solomon Jones was taken by the Hawks in the second round, the 33rd overall pick, in the 2006 draft.

Jones was not in New York for the draft, instead watching with family and friends in his hometown of Lake Wales.

“I’m excited for him and I am excited for our program,’’ Heath said. “He’s representing USF and is now the highest draft pick of any USF basketball player. We’re going to follow his career closely. It’s a big night for him.’’

Immediately after NBA Commissioner David Stern announced the Grizzlies’ selection, ESPN commentator Jay Bilas provided a scouting report on Jones.

“He is a better player than he is athlete,’’ Bilas said. “With a 6-9 wingspan, he can guard. Where he is really effective, he is an explosive score. He just understands how to score.’’

Jones opted to skip his senior season at USF after averaging 21.4 points as a junior, including a school-record 46 points at Providence.