The newest transfer player to catch the attention of WVU basketball is a precise shooter who has an extensive lineup of interested teams. On Monday, the Portal Report indicated that Cal State Northridge transfer forward Keonte Jones has been contacted by West Virginia since joining the portal.
Actually, Jones’ phone has been vibrating throughout the last week. Besides WVU, he’s also received interest from Dayton, Duquesne, Florida State, Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan, Mississippi State, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Syracuse, UCF, USC, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and numerous others.
Jones’ achievement in transitioning from junior college to the Division I level is what is driving his popularity. Initially, he recorded averages of 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks (top in the Big West) per game during the 2023-24 season. Jones subsequently experienced an increase in production during the previous season, shooting 50% from the field and 38.2% from beyond the arc.
Jones started his career at the junior college level, spending a year at both Mineral Area College and Midland College, where Ross Hodge served as head coach from 2009 to 2011.
A Coveted Transfer with a High Ceiling
Jones’ name in the transfer portal has quickly gained traction, and it’s not hard to see why. His versatility as a forward, combined with his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, makes him a valuable asset for programs looking to add scoring depth. At 6-foot-7, Jones has the size to match up against bigger defenders while also possessing the quickness to create his own shot.
His improvement from his junior college days to now has been remarkable. While some players struggle to make the jump to Division I, Jones embraced the challenge, developing into a consistent scoring threat. His 38.2% three-point shooting is particularly impressive, as it shows he can contribute from beyond the arc while also being effective inside.
His ability to contribute in multiple areas is another reason why so many schools are interested. Averaging nearly seven rebounds per game as a forward shows his willingness to crash the boards, and his defensive stats—1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game—highlight his ability to make plays on that end of the floor as well. Coaches are always looking for two-way players, and Jones has proven he can be effective on both offense and defense.
WVU’s Interest and Fit
West Virginia’s interest in Jones makes a lot of sense. Under head coach Darian DeVries, WVU is looking to rebuild after a tough season. The Mountaineers struggled with consistency, particularly on offense, and adding a player like Jones could help fix that. His shooting ability would provide a much-needed boost to a team that had trouble scoring efficiently last season.
Additionally, his defensive versatility would fit well in the Big 12, where teams need players who can guard multiple positions. With his athleticism and size, Jones could be a key piece in helping WVU compete in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.
With WVU reaching out early in the process, the Mountaineers are making their case to be a serious contender for Jones. However, with the number of schools showing interest, it won’t be an easy recruitment. Programs like Michigan, Florida State, and Kansas State have strong basketball traditions and could make compelling pitches of their own.
What Comes Next for Jones?
For now, Jones has plenty of options to consider. The next step in his recruitment will likely involve scheduling visits to schools that he’s seriously considering. These visits will give him a chance to see the facilities, meet with coaches, and get a feel for where he might fit best.
One of the biggest factors in his decision will be finding a system that allows him to continue developing his game. Given his upward trajectory, Jones will want to go to a program that can help him take the next step and potentially prepare for a professional career.
It’s still early in the process, but one thing is clear—whoever lands Jones will be getting a talented, hardworking forward who can make an immediate impact.
As West Virginia continues to rebuild and reshape its roster, adding a player of Jones’ caliber would be a major step in the right direction. Whether or not the Mountaineers can secure his commitment remains to be seen, but they are certainly in the mix for one of the more intriguing transfers on the market.
