Dec 18, 2022; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Buffalo Bulls guard Curtis Jones (3) shoots aa three pointer during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Iowa State has made its last expected addition to its 2023-24 roster.
The Cyclones landed Buffalo transfer guard Curtis Jones on Monday to complete its three-man transfer recruiting class that already included UNLV guard Keshon Gilbert and Wofford guard Jackson Paveletzke.
Jones, a 6-foot-5 Minneapolis native, averaged 15.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 41 percent from the field, 35.9 percent from 3-point range and 78.1 percent from the free throw line this season for the Bulls.
The Cretin-Derhman Hall prep product isn’t the most athletic, quickest or fastest player you’re going to watch, but he’s effective attacking the rim and has range to knock down shots from well behind the 3-point line.
He’s at his best in spot-up and plays off the catch when he’s able to attack or knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers. He’s crafty in the paint scoring with a myriad of runners and floaters with each hand. He’s also got a nice ability to work some running hook shots and other variations into his game off the bounce.
His shooting is what leaps off the screen with the ability to knock down deep 3-pointers and a smooth, easily repeatable release that looks the same every time.
Jones is also strong playing off the bounce off of ball screens with the ability to attack the paint and knock down pull-up jumpers from deep or the mid-range.
It is clear that the staff was able to locate a need and did its best to hammer that need in the transfer portal. That pursuit was a near smashing success with three quality players who can knock down shots and score at all three levels joining the program.
