By SAM LANCE
FISHERS, IN — Jermal Jones burst onto the scene this past summer playing with Nike EYBL’s newest program, Jet Academy, which was founded by former two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith. Jones — the 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard out of IMG Academy — is ready to run it back this summer.
The four-star guard will be the centerpiece of the 17u squad after leading 16u Jett Academy in scoring last year. Jones said he keeps up with Smith every two-three weeks.
“It’s a great relationship,” Jones said. “He gives me a little input and things I can do to help myself.”
Jones just wrapped up his junior season of high school basketball with IMG Academy at Chipotle Nationals. In his only game, Jones scored two points and had three assists, two rebounds and two steals as IMG fell to Wasatch Academy 75-57.
“I’m a 3-and-D guard,” Jones said of his skillset. “I can get to the basket, play defense, knock down the three. Something to improve is pace.”
Cal, Clemson, Georgia and USF were all in to see Jones during the high school season. The guard also named Cincinnati, Florida State, Marquette, Michigan, New Mexico, Purdue, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Washington, West Virginia and Xavier as schools in contact. He hasn’t taken any visits so far in his recruitment process, but will be looking to make some trips soon.
Here’s Jones’ breakdown of some of the schools in contact:
Georgia: “They hit me like every once in a while. I like their style of play on the offensive end and how the guards can play. They are letting them play as a freshman.”
Cal: “Once again, you can come in and play as a freshman. And they believe in me I would say, so that would give me confidence.” Mark Madsen mainly in contact.
Clemson: “I haven’t really talked to Clemson in a while, but I would say that I like how tough the guards are.”
Marquette: “They play good defense and how everybody on the court is a dog. If you’re not a dog, you won’t play. And that’s what I like.”
Michigan: “With Michigan also, it’s the guard play. The guards get downhill. They let them shoot mid-range, let them shoot 3s. Overall game.”
Jones is the son of Jermal Jones Sr., who played college basketball at Purdue Lafayette. He is ranked the No. 39 overall prospect in the 2026 class by 247Sports.
“Great energy, great motor,” IMG head coach Sean McAloon said of Jones’ game. “He really bought into his role that we needed this year in terms of just learning how to play defense and being more than just a scorer, which he was for his last school and for AAU. So he’s learned to expand his game, and I expect him to take a leap forward this spring. People will be impressed with what he’s able to do in terms of being a really good team player.”
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