SPORTS

Xavier lands 2016 power forward Tyrique Jones

Shannon Russell
srussell@enquirer.com
Luke Murray (right), Xavier's newest men's basketball assistant, built a relationship with Tyrique Jones when he was still on Rhode Island's staff. Jones on Monday committed to Xavier and will be part of the class of 2016.

Soon-to-be Vermont Academy senior Tyrique Jones needed just a weekend visit at Xavier to pull the trigger on his college commitment.

The 6-foot-8, 235-pound power forward announced Monday that he picked the Musketeers over Connecticut, Miami (Fla.), Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Temple. Jones is the first member of Xavier's Class of 2016.

"I just felt like Xavier was the right fit. Chris Mack does a great job with all the guys on the team. I got a good feel from the staff and my mom (Petronia Bailey) and uncle (Vaughn Bailey) really liked the school too," Jones said. "I really feel like I could go there, play and develop."

Jones, who's from Hartford, Conn., described himself as "a kid with toughness who can score in the post." That's good news for a Xavier team that loses 6-foot-10 senior James Farr after next season, and likely 6-foot-10 Jalen Reynolds, who turns 23 in December.

Jones also will have a chance to learn from veterans like Norfolk State transfer RaShid Gaston. The 6-9 power forward has three years of college ball to his credit and, after his sit-out season in 2015-16, will have one year of eligibility with Xavier.

Jones' bridge from Connecticut and Vermont to Cincinnati is a credit to new XU assistant coach Luke Murray, who came aboard in early May to replace Rick Carter. Carter joined Dave Leitao's DePaul staff in April.

Murray built a relationship with Jones during his time as a Rhode Island assistant coach.

"When I first started getting recruited and getting heavy with college coaches calling, I didn't know where I was going to go," Jones said.

But Jones' connection to Murray, and later Mack, simplified the decision.

"It took the weight off my shoulders," Jones said. "Chris Mack is just a great coach. I feel like he cares about his players. And Luke is a well-rounded guy. We're both from the East Coast so we can relate a lot."

Jones is ranked No. 23 by Scout.com among Class of 2016 power forwards. Rivals.com listed Jones as the No. 111 player among its Top 150 recruits for 2016.