Jones will stay in NBA Draft

USF standout Dominique Jones ended all the speculation about his status on Friday when he announced he was going to keep his name in the NBA Draft.

The deadline to withdraw your name from the draft and still be eligible to play NCAA college basketball next season is 5 pm Saturday. But Jones ended all suspense after a workout he had with the Boston Celtics and said he was staying in the draft.

A first team All-Big East Conference selection, Jones had wavered on coming back to school, especially after more than a few draft websites had him going in the second round. Only first round picks get guaranteed contract, but the 6-4 combo guard said he was excited about his chances and welcomed the challenge.

He has signed with an agent and has workouts scheduled next week with San Antonio and Washington. The Lake Wales resident said he was encouraged by what he heard after his workout with the Celtics.

Jones averaged 21.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season with a career high 46 points against Providence and had 37 against Pittsburgh.