St. Joe's Jones reported near with Timberwolves

[Kori Ellis]

Posted on Sat, Jul. 09, 2005

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/12091833.htm

St. Joe's Jones reported near an NBA deal


LAS VEGAS - St. Joseph's center Dwayne Jones may not have been selected in last month's NBA draft, but he may still wind up on a pro roster next season.

A source with knowledge of the junior's intentions says Jones is about to accept a three-year deal from the Minnesota Timberwolves and forgo his final season with the Hawks.

On June 30, the 6-foot-10 star from Chester declared his intention to return to school after he was not drafted as an early-eligibility player two days earlier. St. Joe's had begun working with the NCAA to have him reinstated.

Sources at the NBA Las Vegas Summer League games last night said they believed Jones would accept the offer. The contract would be guaranteed for the first two years at about $1 million, with Minnesota holding a non-guaranteed option for the third year, sources said.

Jones, 22, averaged 10.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocked shots per game last season. He and Hawks coach Phil Martelli could not be reached for comment last night.

[sickdsm]

"Career Highlights: Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year and Second Team All Conference selection in 2004-05. Two-time A-10 All-Defensive Team pick. Led the A-10 in blocks all three seasons at St. Joe’s. Co-recipient of SJU's John P. Hilferty Award, signifying the team's Most Valuable Player. His 418 rebounds in 2004-05 was the second-highest total in school history, while his 109 blocks was the third-highest single-season mark.

Jones was fifth in the nation in rebounds as a junior last season, averaging eleven-point-six a game.

The Atlantic 10 coaches also voted Bryant Dunston of Fordham as Rookie of the Year, Saint Joseph’s Dwyane Jones as Defensive Player of the Year, Kieron Achara of Duquesne as the Chris Daniels Award winner as the most improved player and J. R. Pinnock of George Washington as Sixth Man of the Year."


What i can't figure out is why is minnesota looking at a young, defensive 7 foot center? Don't we need another streaky shooting PG?


Obviously i'm excited, even if he plays very few minutes, the guy not only knows how to play some defense but more importantly he LIKES it.