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Terrence Jones: Will He or Won't He Be a Husky?

By: Brett Blevins

Terrence Jones was leaning toward Washington to play with his buddy Terrence Ross.

Terrence Jones was leaning toward Kentucky to play in the Dribble Drive Motion for John Calipari.

In all actuality no one knew where Jones was leaning. Not even Jones himself knew. In his emotional press conference he chose the Washington hat at the last minute. This shocked Kentucky fans, most notably the Kentucky coaching staff. Even though Jones has long been considered a hard get off the west coast, UK fans know Coach Cal usually get who he covets, and he covets Jones. The smooth 6'9 lefty with guard skills would be a perfect fit for the Dribble Drive and immediate playing time is to be had considering the Cats currently have only 9 players on next year's roster.

Jones obviously understands this as well which is why he is so torn about the decision. The kid is a people pleaser. Do what is best for your future, or do what all your friends want you to do? The recruiting world thought he answered the question around 4 pm PST, but now he may be weighing it again. Kentucky vs. Washington. Cal vs Romar. Basketball royalty vs. Being close to home.

I don't know what Cal said to Jones during that 15 minute conversation, but those that are knocking him for it need to hush. Until Jones signs an NLOI he is considered fair game. It happens more often in football, but it happens in basketball all the time. People just don't hear about it. Committed prospects are contacted through back channels or more blatantly depending upon the situation and existing relationships. Cal is just doing his job, and he is damn good at it.

So where does it all go from here? I personally think the kid knows what he wants to do, both coaching staffs know as well. He just doesn't want to disappoint anyone. My advice to the kid is the same advice the Wizard of Westwood, Coach Wooden, opined so eloquently: "Be true to thine self".

The last day of the signing period is May 19th. Buckle it back up recruiting fans.

This article is associated with the following player(s):
Jones, Terrence

POSTED: 5-1-2010

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