Daytonas Jones to Stay in Sunshine State

Solomon Jones, a 6-10, 210 pound power forward/center from Daytona Beach C.C. in Daytona Beach, Fla., has committed to the University of South Florida.

Daytona Head Coach Brad Underwood confirmed Jones' commitment on Wednesday to JUCO Junction.

Jones took a pair of official visits this fall -- to Florida State and South Florida. His most recent visit came this past weekend to USF (Oct. 3-5). He went to FSU from Sept. 12-14.

Jones also considered Central Florida and Georgia. He took an unofficial visit to UCF last month.

JUCO Junction had the chance to catch Jones in action last January at the Florida JUCO Shootout and at the Mullen JC Showcase in Tulsa this past July. We were impressed with his upside and potential.

"He's a tremendous passer and a defensive presence," Underwood said. "He has a 7-2 wingspan, can block shots and is very skilled offensively."

One thing Underwood hopes to see this winter is a more assertive Jones.

"Solomon has always been a secondary option, and we want to make him a primary option," Underwood said. "However, his best days are ahead of him, especially once he gains more strength and confidence."

Jones' choice of South Florida reunites him with the coach that recruited him to Daytona Beach, Frank Burnell. Burnell left Daytona last spring to accept an assistant coaching position at USF. Former Falcon guard Bradley Mosley is currently at junior at South Florida, and Jones is familiar with him as well.