Texas Basketball Recruiting: Ranking 3 2019 signees by instant impact ability

Potentially the most valuable four-year player that comes out of this Texas basketball recruiting class will be the four-star power forward Kai Jones. This Wolfeboro, NH, native and Brewster Academy big man is rated as a top 60 prospect in the nation and ranked inside the top 15 at his position.

While Jones could have the best career contributing to the Horns long-term, he’s going to be a very raw talent coming into the Forty Acres next year. Jones might not have the maturity in his game by the time he arrives on campus next year to get much playing time in key spots and be effective.

Jones is more similar to what the Horns are getting out of some freshmen like small forward Gerald Liddell and power forward Brock Cunningham this season. Many indicators point to Jones wanting to work on his shooting ability to help the Horns space the floor. Spacing the floor is just one part of the way that Jones can use his potential to become a more well-rounded offensive player.

Could Jones turn into someone like the standout freshman forward/center Jaxson Hayes next season? That is certainly possible, but it’s not likely. Jones doesn’t have the defensive prowess and awareness in his game yet it seems that allows for him to contribute immediately the way Hayes is now.