Kam Jones was the microwave the last couple of years at Marquette. Jones is capable of exploding for a scoring run at any time. Now, he’s looked at as The Man.
Not just to score either. Jones still can do that, but he’s distributing and making those around him better, too.
Jones doing it all for Marquette
The past couple years, Tyler Kolek was the engine of the Golden Eagles’ offensive machine. Now, with Kolek’s departure, coach Shaka Smart has handed the keys to the car to Jones.
It’s been a smooth transition and Jones is showing college basketball and pro scouts his all-around skillset.
Jones is averaging 19 points, 6.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game on 49.3% shooting despite struggling shooting the 3-ball this season at 32.2%. Last year Jones averaged 17.2 points per game on over 50% shooting and shot better than 40% from 3.
Jones also averages 1.6 steals per game. Despite the increase in responsibility and having the ball in his hands a ton, Jones averages fewer than two turnovers per game.
Jones only averages 1.7 turnovers despite his highest usage rate at over 28% and he has a 39.4% assist rate and a turnover rate under 10%.
Jones no longer just a scorer for Marquette
What makes it so impressive what Jones is doing is his adaptation. He went from a lot of drawn up plays off the ball for catch-and-shoot opportunities to now, being more of the point guard, off the dribble guy for the Golden Eagles.
For an offensive player to be struggling since Big East play with his shot to be in discussion for National Player of the Year is impressive.
Despite his shooting struggles vs. Big East foes thus far – recently had four straight games below 40% from the floor – he has scored in double figures in every game this season. Also, Jones shredded Big Ten opponents in the nonconference slate, including in-state rival Wisconsin.
Jones poured in 28 points against Maryland, had a triple-double in a convincing win over Purdue and then scored 32 against the Badgers on 12-of-21 shooting.
The hope is Jones’ shooting starts to turn and on Jan. 21, Jones canned 4 of 6 3-pointers against Seton Hall and a week later hit 2 of 5 from 3 in a win over Butler. While he only made 1 of 5 3s vs. UConn Saturday, Jones did score 22 points on 9 for 17 shooting.
Jones making case for Player of Year
While Kolek graduated, Marquette has a guard who has stepped into his place and the Golden Eagles haven’t missed a beat, boasting an 18-4 record. Jones is a better scorer than Kolek and has become a very good playmaker to boot. If Jones’ shooting can start to even out to his previous seasons at Marquette, he will be squarely into the National Player of the Year mix.
