Rubin Jones’ position has varied during the season. The graduate guard was absent for the initial and last non-conference games because of minor injuries; however, Jones has otherwise been a reliable player off the bench, averaging 19 minutes per game.
Whether playing the point or acting as a facilitator at the three, Jones has influenced the No. 20 Michigan men’s basketball team with his comprehensive playmaking skills. And that has been the strategy of Wolverines coach Dusty May from the very beginning.
“Rubin is a player who can fit into any role,” May stated on Oct. 17. “… I believe he’s a versatile individual that we can use in any circumstance.” Large lineups, compact lineups, and then he will act as a playmaker.
Due to Jones’ experience as a player with four seasons of mid-major college basketball at North Texas, May has relied on him in various situations. However, the adjustment has presented certain challenges.
Jones averaged a 39.4% shooting percentage from the field and a 36.7% from beyond the arc with the Mean Green, but those figures have dropped sharply this season at Michigan. Shooting 32.7% overall and 22.6% from beyond the arc, resulting in a career-low 3.2 points per game this season, Jones has not yet hit his stride.
The absence of offensive output hasn’t affected Jones’ playing time, however. In Big Ten competition, he has recorded 21.2 minutes per game, which is a bit above his season average. During that period, he has tallied eight overall points, averaging 1.6 points per game, and achieved a shooting percentage of 21.4% from the field, successfully making one 3-pointer out of nine tries. Despite the offensive production from previous years and even earlier this year appearing to decline, May still continues to utilize him. Clearly, there is worth in utilizing role players like Jones beyond just scoring.
“There are many factors involved, so these individuals are continuously making adjustments,” May stated on Monday. “Certain players on our team have made significant progress, while others have not yet succeeded.” However, the aspect of Rubin is that he influences the game in different ways — he affects victories. Consequently, we’ve persisted with his playing time, and I believe he’s near a significant breakthrough.
Given that the Wolverines began their Big Ten season at 5-0, there’s little room for criticism regarding Jones’ scoring skills, particularly if May notices him contributing to Michigan in different ways. Entering the game from the bench, Jones usually challenges the opposing team’s primary guard, leading to missed shots or creating turnovers. Even though Jones’ offensive input varies from his high-scoring record at North Texas, his skill in locating the open teammate or delivering the additional pass when he possesses the ball enhances his game.
“I believe he’s going to hit some shots,” May stated. “… He’s been playing exceptional basketball, and that typically leads to hitting shots when you stop overthinking shooting, and the ball just comes to you. … His shooting percentages aren’t ideal for us or for him at the moment, but we’re quite sure things will balance out.” “As long as he continues to take step-in threes, he’ll maintain a good shooting percentage going forward because he’s playing well.”
As Big Ten action intensifies — and regardless of whether Jones improves his shooting — May is expected to keep him in the game. Regardless of whether the influence he provides is evident or not, or if he achieves his breakthrough, Jones will persist in playing disciplined defense and delivering instinctive passes to contribute to winning plays, aiming to maintain Michigan’s success.
