BREAKING: FIU transfer guard Denver Jones commits to Auburn
FIU transfer guard Denver Jones is returning to his home state to finish his college career.
Jones, who is from New Market, Ala., announced on Saturday his plans to transfer to Auburn.
“I love the tradition and the family vibe,” Jones said. “I love the environment and want to be a part of the togetherness. I can feel a ‘warmth’ at Auburn. That’s what really fueled my decision.”
Jones’s decision comes after taking an official visit to the Plains. He arrived in Auburn on Thursday afternoon and stayed until Saturday afternoon.
He chose Auburn over Alabama, Florida State, DePaul, LSU and Oklahoma. A big reason is Bruce Pearl. Another reason is the fans.
“Ever since I had interest from Auburn, all the fans started showing me love,” he said. “Every other school I had offers from and interest in, no fans hit me up at all. But Auburn fans, I can honestly tell they love their school. That’s an environment that I want to be a part of.”
Bruce Pearl makes difference for Jones
Jones also liked the attention early from Bruce Pearl and Steven Pearl and the natural feel of their meetings and conversations.
“Auburn was the second call I got,” he said. “I’m already close with BP. The conversations we had (during my recruitment) were just natural. After he visited me, he called me right when he got home and said, ‘Is it me, or did that conversation feel natural? It didn’t feel forced.’
“Every time we spoke, it just felt good. There was something about it and it influenced my decision today.”
During his recruitment and official visit, Jones was able to build relationships with Auburn players, both current and future. He spent time with Tre Donaldson and KD Johnson during the visit. He also texted with Auburn signee Aden Holloway.
“He said he wanted me here,” Jones said. “He’s a real good player.”
Last season at FIU, Jones, who is listed at 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, averaged 20.1 points per game. He shot 47.8% from the field and 37.1% from the 3-point line. He also averaged 3.8 rebounds and 2 steals per game and shot 85% from the free-throw line.
Jones will play the 2 at Auburn. He plans to report to campus in the summer with two years of eligibility.
Jones 1st of many portal additions expected for Auburn
He is the first transfer for Auburn and Bruce Pearl in what is expected to be a busy portal period for the Tigers. Auburn has lost point guard Wendell Green, Jr. to the NBA draft and Stretch Akingbola, Chance Westry and Yohan Traore to the transfer portal.
The Tigers still have plenty of work to do to fill the remaining holes in the roster.
Marshall transfer center Micah Handlogton plans to visit Auburn the weekend of April 14-16. Auburn also likely will get visits from Georgia transfer Kario Oquendo and Rice transfer guard Quincy Olivari, both possibly the weekend of April 21-23.
