Guard C.J. Jones made it official and signed a national letter of intent with Arkansas on Wednesday, the first day of the NCAA spring signing period.
Jones, 6-5, 180 pounds of Birmingham (Ala.) Central Park Christian, inked with the Hogs during a 10 a.m. ceremony at the school Wednesday.
He joins four other signees that signed in the early signing period in November: point guard Jaylen Barford, 6-4, 210 of Motlow Community College in McMinnville, Tenn.; shooting guard Daryl Macon, 6-4, 185 of Holmes (Miss.) Community College; forward Arlando Cook, 6-8, 210 of Connors State College in Warner, Okla.; and forward Adrio Bailey, 6-7, 205 of Campti (La.) Lakeview.
Coach Mike Anderson said Jones adds to a stellar class.
"C.J. is a great addition to what we feel is already a phenomenal recruiting class for next year," Anderson said. "His versatility, athleticism and ability to score make him a perfect fit for the fastest 40 minutes of basketball. He adds another dimension to our basketball team and his explosiveness will be on full display in Bud Walton Arena."
Jones averaged 28 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals as a senior. Central Park Christian Coach Donavan Broadnax said Jones' shooting ability carried the team this season. One game particularly sticks out.
"It was a game against a fairly large team at home, and he scored 10 three-pointers," Broadnax said. "I think he almost shot like 60 percent for the game for three-pointers that game. He was on fire."
Broadnax said Jones' athleticism and quick shot make him hard to defend.
"He elevates so well when he shoots it," Broadnax said. "He's up in the air ready to shoot before you can gather yourself and put a hand up."
Sports on 04/14/2016