Pitt Lands Guard Chris Jones for 2012 Class

Losing Khem Birch meant a scholarship opened up and Pitt appears to have filled that spot.

One of the top classes in school history got another member when Teaneck (NJ) shooting guard/small forward Chris Jones committed to the Panthers. Brandin Knight helped secure Jones' commitment to Pitt. His coach considers him to be a top prospect out of New Jersey, who has had their fair share of stars, including Pitt's own Ashton Gibbs and Tray Woodall. Jones had no other offers in hand according to Rivals (Scout says he held some minor ones), but had interest from Connecticut, Seton Hall, Virginia Tech, and Colorado. He's rated as a three-star recruit by both Rivals and Scout, though.

Jones is ready to come to Pitt:

"I am excited about my future at Pittsburgh," he said. "I have always had the dream of playing at a major college like that. With the strong academics, coaching staff and exposure I will get from playing in the Big East and ACC, my college experience will be a great one. I am happy to be a Panther."

Teaneck is currently 27-0 this season, thanks to Jones' 21 points, nine rebounds, and five assists per game. Here is his breakdown from ESPN after the jump.

Strengths:
Jones is a versatile offensive talent with a number of weapons in his repertoire. He's a good sized swingman who uses strength and athleticism to attack the rim. He can both rise up for pull-ups and make quick changes of direction inside the lane with his jump stops and pro-hops. Jones can also make shots in rhythm to the arc and make the occasional pass.

Weaknesses:
Jones' versatility is one of his biggest strengths and his floor game lacks a glaring weakness. He becomes more dangerous as he continues to polish up his skills and develop his jump shot. He's a straight line driver who could continue to expand his handle to allow him to breakdown a set defender with more consistency as well as handle against pressure.

Bottom Line:
Jones is a strong and athletic swingman with a strong slashing game and complimenting catch and shoot skills when in rhythm.

Personally, I would rather have a player with great offensive abilities and adequate defensive skills than the reverse. Defense can be taught, but his ability to drive and also hit outside shots will be valuable in future seasons. Now, let's hope he doesn't take a page out J.J. Moore's notebook and only feel the need to take jump shots once he gets to Pitt. Here is some footage from one of his games - he is wearing #5 in white.

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