By JACOB POLACHECK
Class of 2024 five-star forward RJ Jones is planning to visit Kentucky in April, he tells ZAGSBLOG.
“We’re figuring out probably this weekend when we’re going to set that date up for this month,” Jones said.
The 6-foot-8, 200-pound forward from The Rock School (FL), is currently recovering from a torn meniscus suffered in December.
“(The coaches at Kentucky) have been just telling me to keep pushing towards a recovery and keep doing the things I need to do to get back on the court, staying healthy and things like that,” he said.
This will be the sixth unofficial visit for Jones after he has already been on campus at North Carolina, NC State, Florida, Florida State and Duke. He broke down each school:
North Carolina: “It’s like a family there. When I came in on the visit, it felt like I was already on the team in a way because they treated me that way. I love the coaching staff, how they interact with the players and how they interact with each other.”
NC State: ” I like how aggressive they play. I like coach (Kevin Keatts’) energy and how he has a personal relationship with every player on the team. I love how they play as well.”
Florida: “I live in Gainesville so I’ve seen most stuff at Florida. Going on the visit and seeing the things I haven’t seen before was pretty nice. Seeing how the practices went, which I didn’t know about before, that was pretty nice as well.”
Florida State: “Same as North Carolina, they treated me as if I was on the team already. I like the coaching staff there. The coaching staff is amazing with how they interact with their players and what they do in practice. I really liked that. I like what kind of drills they do and how they bond during practice.”
Duke: “I really just toured the gym. I didn’t really get to tour the educational side. Basketball-wise, Duke is Duke. They’re great. I love how aggressive they are. I love the coaching staff and how they push their players to be the best they can be.”
Jones says Purdue, Illinois and Tennessee are also remaining in heavy contact. He broke down each school:
Purdue: “We’re trying to set up a date in the future. I want to see them and see how their campus is and how they play as a basketball team. I’m just trying to learn more about them. I was born in Lafayette.”
Illinois: “They already offered me. I love how they play as well. We’re trying to set up a date soon in the future to see if I can get an unofficial visit there.”
Tennessee: “Before Kentucky, they were recruiting me really hard as well and they still are. That was the most recent one that was recruiting me. We’re trying to get a visit there too.”
Despite being only a sophomore, Jones broke down a number of factors he’s taking into consideration throughout the process.
“The coaching staff and how they click as a whole, how they click with their players as well and trying to see if the coaching staff loves God,” Jones said. “I want to see what they want in a big man like me. I’m versatile, so I’m seeing what can fit me and how I play. Education-wise, I want a school that has great education.”
As Jones continues his recovery from a torn meniscus, he is aiming to return in early or mid-summer, but doctors said a return is more likely in the late-summer.
“I’ve been going to PT twice a week ever since probably January,” Jones said. “I started doing PT in mid-January. Every time I go, I get a personal record. Every time I go, I go up in weight. It’s been going really well. Today, I got a personal record of doing 265 squats. I’ve been getting a lot stronger in my quads and my knees.”
When he returns, he says to expect a “great shooter, great rebounder and a coachable, talkative player”.
“Expect me to be a lot more versatile than I am now,” he said. “I can handle the ball a lot more, control the offense and play better perimeter defense.”
Photo: Anthony Hardge
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