Story Published:
Nov 11, 2009 at 8:38 PM PDT
Story Updated:
Nov 11, 2009 at 8:38 PM PDT
Kevin O’Neill’s first recruiting class at USC appears to be pretty solid.
The four-man basketball class is ranked No. 6 by Maxpreps, No. 13 by ESPNU and tops among Pac-10 schools.
The Trojans received signed national letters of intent from guard Maurice Jones of Saginaw, Mich., guard Bryce Jones of Woodland Hills Taft High School, forward Curtis Washington of Elizabethtown, Ky. and forward Garrett Jackson of Portland, Ore.
“This is a great class in terms of what we were looking to sign,” O’Neill said. “All of these guys are good players, good students and good athletes. Everyone of them will come here and contribute not only on the court, but to our great institution.”
Maurice Jones is a 5-7 all-state point guard who averaged 27 points and 13 assists during his junior season. He is a lightning-quick guard who has a real understanding of how to run an offense.
Greg McMath, his coach at Arthur Hill High, said, “He’s one of the quickest players I’ve ever been around and ever seen. I’ve been to the ABCD camps and seen Derrick Rose and all those guys. He’s quicker than those guys.”
“Mo will be fun for our fans to watch every second of every game,” O’Neill said. “He is a great point guard who can run a team and score. I love what Maurice brings to the table.”
Bryce Jones, a 6-5 guard had to sit out his junior season because of transfer rules, though, he had a successful club season with the Compton Magic Black team.
ESPN evaluators say he has the potential to be the best wing-type player on the West Coast. Jones is ranked as the No. 27 shooting guard in the 2010 class by ESPNU and No. 67 overall by Scout.com.
“Bryce has a big-time motor,” O’Neill said. “He is a great athlete who plays hard all the time on both ends of the floor. I would take Bryce over any two-guard in the country. I love his competitive spirit and his upside.”
Washington, a 6-9 forward, averaged eight points and four rebounds as a junior, but really opened people’s eyes this summer with his talent and work ethic. He has the ability to step out and hit the 15-17 foot jumper and has exceptional length. Washington was named MVP of the Rick Bolus Blue Chip Camp in June and is also ranked as the No. 1 prospect in Kentucky by Rick Bolus Scouting Report.
“Curtis is a great shot blocker and rebounder,” O’Neill said. “He will be a great addition to our front line. He has the ability to shoot to 17 feet and beyond. I think he will make huge strides over the next four years.”
Jackson, a 6-6 wing, averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds as a junior and was named his league’s MVP. He finished his 2008-09 season on a roll and carried that on into the summer where he exploded onto the scene with a stellar performance in Las Vegas.
“Garrett can play multiple positions on offense and defense,” O’Neill said. “He is making leaps and bounds as a player. He is a workaholic in every way. I can’t wait to coach him at USC.”
USC opens the season against UC Riverside Nov. 17 at Galen Center.
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