PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men’s basketball has welcomed transfer guard Rasheed Jones to the team. He comes from Coastal Carolina, where he played for two seasons.
Jones is 6-foot-6 and weighs 190 pounds. He has a solid track record, having started 61 of 64 games with the Chanticleers. Last season, he averaged 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He played an impressive 36.3 minutes each game, shooting nearly 40% from the field and over 36% from three-point range.
Coach Steve Pikiell is enthusiastic about Jones joining the team. “Rasheed fits our style perfectly. He’s a strong defender, skilled shooter, and brings a lot of energy,” he said.
Jones is equally excited. “Being part of the Rutgers family feels amazing,” he shared. “The coaches have given me a great chance, and I plan to make the most of it.”
In his previous season at Coastal Carolina, he started 29 of 32 games, finishing with an average of 11.6 points. He ranked second on the team for scoring and three-pointers made, hitting a total of 66. He scored over 20 points in four games, with a high of 21 points against Winthrop. He also had several standout moments, including pulling down a season-high nine rebounds against Warner.
“I’ll do whatever it takes for my team to win,” Jones stated. “With my shooting, playmaking, and defense, I’ll bring my best energy each game.”
Before Coastal Carolina, Jones was at Northwest Florida State College. There, he played 34 games, averaging 11.8 points while hitting 45.3% of his shots.
Jones’s journey began at Western Carolina, where he redshirted in the 2022-23 season. He also has a strong high school background, scoring over 1,000 points during his three varsity years at Marion High School.
Rutgers fans are in for a treat. As Jones says, “You’re getting a great player and an even better person. I’m here to help this program succeed and give everything I’ve got every game.”
Rasheed’s signing comes as college basketball is rapidly evolving, with many players transferring to new programs for better opportunities. According to the NCAA, nearly 1,000 athletes entered the transfer portal in 2022 alone, reflecting the changing dynamics of college sports. This trend shows that players are seeking the best fits for their talent and goals, making each signing even more crucial for teams like Rutgers.
In the coming season, keep an eye on how Jones and the Scarlet Knights adapt to the challenges and excitement of college basketball. The energy and determination he brings could be key in turning the program’s fortunes around.
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