A high school All-American from suburban Dallas, 6-foot-10 Perry Jones III arrived at Baylor before the 2010-11 season carrying expectations that were impossible to attain.
But when he averaged just 13.9 points and 7.2 rebounds as a freshman, everybody, including Jones, heard all those whispers.
He was too soft, Baylor fans said. He would never attain his potential, others lamented. Another overrated blue-chipper was the consensus.
Even with the modest stats, Jones still likely would have been a top-10 pick in the 2011 NBA draft, based on his upside. But Jones returned to Waco, intent on improving his game and helping the team rather than pleasing those on the outside.
The 235-pounder has about the same averages this season as a freshman (14.0, 7.7) but has been praised for his consistency.
“I’m trying to be as dominant as I can for my teammates,” Jones said in an interview last week with Fox Sports Midwest. “They tell me that without me, we’re going back to Waco.”
It’s not in Jones’ nature to dominate a game the way former Big 12 stars Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin could. But that doesn’t mean Jones can’t affect a game. “All the criticism is good,” he said. “People just wanted me to be that type of player of who had 30 points a game. I have the whole team that can score. It’s a good time to be unselfish.”
Said Bears coach Scott Drew of Jones’ growth: “With youth, you get inexperience, you get inconsistency. Perry’s biggest strength is he is a great teammate.”
Favorite: Kentucky
Yes, Wildcats coach John Calipari brings in a class of the nation’s top blue-chippers every year. But he doesn’t get enough credit for getting the newcomers to buy in seemingly immediately to his system. Gone from last year’s Final Four team are first-round draft choice Brandon Knight and second-rounders DeAndre Liggins and Josh Harrelson. But Knight was replaced at point guard by equally talented Marquis Teague, and the addition of 6-foot-10 shot blocker Anthony Davis gives Calipari his best defensive team. That’s scary.
Sleeper: Connecticut
Is it ever wise to count out a Jim Calhoun team? Didn’t think so. Calhoun has returned from back surgery, and his Huskies responded by showing some spunk in the Big East Tournament. Sophomore Shabazz Napier appeared to be feeling the pressure in trying to replace All-American Kemba Walker, but Calhoun’s Irish wit has a calming effect. There’s plenty of athleticism in the frontcourt, and this year’s All-American candidate, sophomore Jeremy Lamb, always seems to shine on the big stage.
Upset alert
Virginia Commonwealth over Wichita State.Wichita State may have finished the regular season as the nation’s best midmajor, but VCU is starting to look like VCU again. That could be trouble for the Shockers. After a slow start, Rams coach Shaka Smart has his team playing free and easy on offense and tenacious on defense, just like last year’s Final Four edition.
Bracket breakdown
Kentucky was made the overall No. 1 seed. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be hurdles to overcome en route to New Orleans. The Wildcats had better be prepared for a difficult second-round test against UConn or Iowa State.
