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Around this time of the high school season, I feel it’s important to check on various players and see how they’re doing; both mentally and physically. In taking up several months of one’s year, the majority of us will likely agree that the season’s a grind… no question about it. Staying focused, disciplined, and healthy all play essential roles in young athletes fully making it through the exhausting season. I plan on using these incoming weeks to continue producing player features, mainly inquiring about personal feelings of how the winter has gone, before the postseason begins next month. At some point, I knew I had to catch up with my guy, Darius Jones ’19, an unsigned senior who coaches should not miss the boat on.
Jones entered the school year as a new face for Hermitage High School back in August. He attended Varina High School last year, playing as a member of the Blue Devils varsity team that finished as the Class 5 state champions with a 26-2 record. On that squad loaded with talent, he didn’t get much opportunity to showcase his full on-court ability, but indeed drew some attention from media outlets this past summer during his final AAU run with VA Havoc 17u. Making the transition into Hermitage for his senior year, Jones held confidence that it would come with various benefits both on and off the court.
“Playing opportunities have increased for me ever since coming here (to Hermitage),” the 6’3” scoring guard explained. “I’ve been a starter this year. At Varina, I didn’t really see the floor all that much. School-wise, there’s a comfortable vibe over here. The staff doesn’t go too hard on the seniors. Everybody seems to enjoy being around each other and having fun.”
In some situations, it’s not easy adjusting to learn under different instructors, especially on the hardwood. Nonetheless, Jones has acknowledged his relationship with Hermitage head coach Brian Henderson as conducive to player growth this season.
“Coach Henderson’s a great coach who knows a LOT. He’s helped me develop my game in many ways: offensively, defensively, IQ-wise, and learning how to take over when it’s needed. So, I definitely like playing under him. I know that anytime I call him or need anything, he’ll always be available. He’s a coach that all of us can rely on.”
Even when he entered the picture as one of the newcomers on Hermitage’s roster a few months ago, it took little time for Jones to realize that Henderson would be relying on him to bring a presence likewise to that of a veteran. Similar to most programs, Hermitage prides itself on that facet.
“Yeah, Coach explained early on how we would need to establish a team of leadership. So, I try to bring that to the table every day. Just trying to help the other guys accomplish what they need to do in practice. Oh, and, for myself, I know that I’m not perfect, so if I’m doing something wrong then I want a coach or teammate to let me know right away. I need to know this. But yes, my main goal is to be a good team player, inspiration, and lead us to victories. We have 15 guys… it’ll take all 15 to win games.”
When discussing his own perception of how the season has gone thus far, the senior shows no traces of complacency.
“Well, the season could be better. We’re 3-7 right now, but have a lot of time to turn it all around; I feel we can. We’ve been a little down lately… just have to find our rhythm and pick it back up. There’s still over 11 games left.”
One thing I respect about Jones is that he keeps it honest with himself as well. Acting as a main scoring option for the Panthers, he acknowledges the group will require more efficiency from him in order to start building up more wins.
“As a whole, percentage-wise, I haven’t been knocking down shots from the field as well. In the first part of the season, I had a stretch of bad games. But, coming into the New Year, I started feeling a lot better and now put up around 15 points and four assists a night. Oh, and about two steals.”
Yes, Jones definitely fits the category of a shooter. He caught my eye back in late-September of 2018 when I first saw Hermitage competing in the annual Christopher Newport University Fall Team Camp. His sharpshooting proved notable enough to ultimately result in him making my player standout list of that camp. There’s more to Jones than just acting as a guy who can shoot the rock, however. With a strong build, at 6’3,” he finds himself in various mismatch scenarios; providing opportunities to overpower smaller defenders. His separation game to get his shot off against 1v1 defense makes him bigger than just a spot-up threat. In all, Jones’ game reminds me a little bit of Buddy Hield from the Sacramento Kings.
“Obviously all of my people around the area have always seen me as a shooter. Still, I think my ball-handling and ability to attack the basket are two other underrated parts of my game, honestly. A lot of defenders will press me so I won’t be able to just easily catch and shoot. When I recognize that, I can put the ball on the floor and make plays, whether it’s dishing it out or getting to the cup.”
More than once, I’ve stressed the importance of watching film in order to develop overall basketball IQ. To the players seeing me bring this up for the first time, trust me: watching film has proven imperative in reaching your fullest potential. It’s satisfying to see Jones recognizes the truth of this notion. He not only studies his team, but other next-level programs as well.
“I definitely like to watch a lot of college ball, whenever possible. NBA is… well, the guys can pretty much do whatever they want in the league. But I like watching college to pick up on the emphasis of defense, ball movement, foot work, and using triple threat moves.”
Even though, college serves as Jones’ first viewing option, he’s obviously hip to the happenings in the NBA also. Curious as to who his pick for the NBA MVP is currently'
“Well, I’d like to see my guy, LeBron, win it, but I think James Harden will snatch it away again. He’s been unbelievable in knocking down all of those crazy shots.”
Back to the season. In these last remaining months of his high school career, the senior still has some things left on his list to accomplish.
“I want to make a shot at the playoffs. That’s the first thing. But, if talking personally, I hope to make an all-region selection, attend some 804 all-star events, and, most of all, raise up my college interest. Ever since I’ve been over here at Hermitage, I feel I’ve drawn more exposure. People know who I am now and what I can do. It just started a little later than I wanted it to; senior year, unfortunately.”
Jones remains high on my list of unsigned seniors in the Richmond, VA area. I truly feel that a program could garner a steal by landing him. He’s been under the radar for the most part, but his ability to produce on the court speaks volumes.
“Recruitment-wise, I had more colleges contact me on social media after the summer ended. A variety of divisions have reached out: D1, D2, D3, JUCO, etc. I still don’t have any offers yet, however.”
So, what could a college coach expect Jones to bring to their program, if the question was to be asked'
“Playmaking abilities. I can shoot and pass it. Also, a good teammate. Someone that everybody else can rely on to do the right thing, each and every day.”
A program that landed Jones would also bring in a certified gym rat. He seems to heavily go by that “ball is life” approach.
“Yeah… I don’t do much else, really. Other than basketball, I just spend time with family. I don’t try to put myself in any trouble or stuff like that. But, I really focus on the sport a lot. You’ll hardly catch me outside of the gym. Just trying to build on my craft.”
There’s not much more to it. Jones has his mind focused and goals set. However, we haven’t mentioned one particular goal yet… where does Darius Jones see himself in ten years'
“Well, I hope I can get a shot at the NBA. But, if that doesn’t happen, I want to be a businessman; making money.”
Shooters shoot! Keep shooting for those goals, Darius.