DeVante' Jones declares for 2022 NBA Draft
Michigan point guard DeVante’ Jones made his decision official on Saturday by announcing his future plans. The senior point guard has elected to forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the 2022 NBA Draft, he announced via social media.
“Michigan…
“Thank you. This wasn’t the easiest year for me but with the support of the fans, my teammates, the coaching staff and the hardworking managers, it made my experience here worthwhile. This is a year I will never forget because it taught me that when you get hit, you cant just sit there and complain because nobody will feel sorry for you. I went through so many obstacles and challenges with my brothers. It made us strong, and we proved the world wrong all year long. I’m grateful for every single last one of you boys. Most importantly, I’m thankful for God for putting me in such a great position to better my basketball career.
“With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft. #12Out #BetOnYourself.”
Jones averaged 10.3 points, 4.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game this season as a transfer from Coastal Carolina. He struggled to find his footing early in the season in the jump from the Sun Belt to Big Ten but emerged down the stretch as one of Michigan’s better players. His NCAA Tournament appearance with Michigan was his first as a college player.
Jones went through the NBA Draft process last year, working out with the Sacramento Kings and NBA G-League camp. He has not appeared on any draft big boards from analysts as of March 26.
Michigan’s future at point guard
Jones went through trials and tribulations throughout his lone year in Ann Arbor, headlined by missing a game and a half in the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines have an uncertain future at the point, but head coach Juwan Howard believes in Frankie Collins moving forward.
“We’ve been through it before with injuries, with COVID,” Howard said before the Sweet 16 loss to Villanova. “It’s already embedded in the culture, and our guys understand with injuries we make no excuses, but we trust that every guy that’s in that roster will get an opportunity to go out there, and when they do play, they’re going to give it their best.
“Fortunate enough, when DeVante’ went out with his injury, Frankie Collins stepped up, but it wasn’t a surprise to his teammates, it wasn’t a surprise to me or the staff because the work he’s put in in practice, the work he’s put in when he’s not at practice. The kid loves basketball. He has a basketball mind. He’s been through some competitive moments before throughout the season. But on the big stage in the NCAA Tournament, he didn’t look like a freshman. He looked like he belongs, which he does.”
