Indiana is the latest school to offer a college scholarship to Apple Valley High School sophomore Tyus Jones, according to his mother Debbie Jones.
She said the offer came about two weeks ago. Previous offers include Arizona, Baylor, Marquette, Minnesota, Michigan State, Minnesota and Ohio State.
Tyus is regarded by prep experts as the best point guard in the country for the class of 2014 but he might never make the cover of Sports Illustrated like his pal Jabari Parker. The Chicago forward is on last week’s cover, being promoted as the best high school player since LeBron James.
The article featured Parker’s faith as a Mormon. “He’s a great kid,” Debbie said.
In the magazine story Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel said Parker is a role model for kids in that city. “His character and seriousness of purpose are exceptional,” Emanuel said in S.I.
Jones and Parker have talked about attending college together but there are no commitments by either yet. Parker is a junior, one class ahead of Jones. Since it’s probable Parker will only play one season in college before entering the NBA, Jones might not be influenced much by Parker’s college choice.
Debbie said Tyus has been ill with a virus and unable to play basketball in recent weeks. He will attend the USA 17 and under team tryouts in Colorado Springs in mid-June. The USA team will compete in the world tournament in Lithuania from June 29 – July 8.