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NBA Combine: Andrew Jones should return to Texas

By James Caldwell

Jan 23, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Andrew Jones (1) shoots against Oklahoma Sooners forward Kristian Doolittle (11) during the first half at the Frank Erwin Center. The Longhorns won 84-83. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Andrew Jones (1) shoots against Oklahoma Sooners forward Kristian Doolittle (11) during the first half at the Frank Erwin Center. The Longhorns won 84-83. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /
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Texas Longhorns freshman guard Andrew Jones went through the NBA Combine experience and now Jones has to decide his next step.

It’s clear that the best decision for Jones’ career is returning to Texas. Ask NBA scouts or anyone else who knows how the Draft process works. Or, look at the recent history of Texas guards in the NBA Draft.

But, if Andrew Jones believes there is a chance he will be selected in the 2017 NBA Draft, then he will stay in the Draft.

We’ve seen it so many times, though, where a Texas guard leaves college one season too early. The thought process is well, at least I should be a second round pick. But, the player’s name isn’t called at all.

The second round is usually heavy on international players who NBA teams pick for down the road. And, if you’re not good enough to be selected in the first round, then the chances of being selected in the second round fade out.

Texas Guards who left early and were not drafted:

The last Texas guards to be selected in the NBA Draft were Jordan Hamilton and Cory Joseph in the 2011 NBA Draft. This was the same year Tristan Thompson went in the Top 5 and Texas totaled three players selected in the first round.

Here’s What Andrew Jones is Saying

Andrew Jones and Texas Basketball head coach Shaka Smart both talked to the Austin American-Statesman about whether Jones should return to Texas.

Smart said his advice to Jones was to listen to people who actually have a pick in the NBA Draft. In other words, don’t follow the advice of reporters or people who are not involved in making Draft decisions.

"“There’s a ton of quote-unquote ‘information’ out there. The key is really simple. You only focus on the information from people who have an actual pick. How many people are in this gym? There are loads of people who don’t have a pick. And then there’s Magic Johnson, who is the president of the Lakers. He has a pick.” – Shaka Smart to Brian Davis of the Statesman"

Jones is smart, though, and knows that he needs to hear information that he could be selected in the first round. Otherwise, it’s simply not worth it hoping to be picked in the second round.

"“If I hear enough feedback that staying in the draft will benefit and help me crack the first round and not slide down to the second round, then I’ll stay (in the Draft).” – Andrew Jones"

If nothing else, then Andrew Jones got on the radars of NBA teams for next year’s Draft. Jones worked out for the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder while at the NBA Combine. He also played in an exhibition game.

Now, Jones has 10 days to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and return to Texas. Jones said he’s “just focusing on the now” until he makes his decision.

Next: Preview - KD vs. Aldridge in NBA Western Finals

The decision is clear: return to Texas and have a great season playing shooting guard with incoming freshman Matt Coleman at the point. But, the opportunity to be selected in the NBA Draft is enticing.

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