Lajae Jones heard from about a dozen college coaches when he entered the transfer portal. But after visiting Florida State, he was ready to make his decision.
“Florida State was my first visit and it’s my last visit,” Jones told the Osceola. “I decided I wanted to come to Florida State.”
Jones called Luke Loucks and FSU’s coaches on Monday morning while also informing coaches around the country of his decision. What prompted a quick decision?
“NBA-based system and they want to play fast,” Jones said. “That's basically it. Just play fast and play in the NBA system because that's the level I want to get to. It could work in the college level because Alabama, they like to play fast and shoot a lot, and they've been successful with it. They run the NBA system. So it's just improving upon that and show why it works at the college level.”
After growing up in Seattle and moving to Jacksonville for the eighth grade, Jones is now returning to the Sunshine State to play college basketball.
Jones began at Tarleton State as a freshman, averaging 3.6 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10 games off the bench. Following a year of junior college basketball, he landed at St. Bonaventure — where Jones started 33 of 34 games and averaged 10.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals. He shot 51.4 percent from inside the arc and 38.9 from 3-point range.
“Geography is but it isn't important, because I was just trying to find the best fit,” Jones said. “And I just felt like the best fit happened to be Florida State, and it's a home state for me. And it’s warmer.”
Once on his visit, Jones felt familiarity with Loucks and FSU assistant coach Michael Fly.
“I had a previous relationship with Coach Fly because he tried to recruit me at Jacksonville,” Jones said. “So that was a familiar face. Coach Loucks, he's also a Florida guy, too. Florida State alum, also played at Florida State and played professionally. And he also coached at the highest level. He's been around pros and around the best players, like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and more.”
The 6-foot-7, 200-pound Jones is the second commitment to FSU under first-year head coach Luke Loucks. He joins Drexel transfer Kobe Magee, a big guard at 6-6, who committed to the Seminoles on Saturday.
Watching highlights of Jones, it’s clear he can shoot the 3-pointer. But Jones also outlined his athleticism and ability to create.
“I can create shots of my own, or just create for other people, too,” Jones said. “I feel like I have a complete package of skills.”
Jones’ dad, Jackie, played briefly in the NBA before spending 13 years playing pro basketball in various countries.
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