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Former Central Mountain graduate and current Lebanon Valley College senior Collin Jones announced that he will be using his fifth year of eligibility at Lock Haven University in the fall. The grad transfer, who is a native at Lock Haven, will finish with his undergraduate degree in digital communications at LVC and begin playing for Brian Nestor's team in the fall.
Being just a couple minutes away from the school's campus, Jones always had LHU in the back of his mind. But when he committed to play for LVC, his focus turned to being the best player he could possibly be.
His career turned out quite all right. Jones finished his career off strong, averaging 18 points per game this past season, including 51% shooting from the floor and 34 percent from behind the arc. For his career, Jones posted 17 points per game and eight rebounds per game on 52% shooting from the floor.
Some of Jones's other accomplishments include eclipsing the 1,000-point scoring mark in his junior season, winning Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth player of the year as a junior and leading his team in points, rebounds and blocks in that third season.
Jones's resume speaks for itself, and with an on-the-rise Bald Eagles men's hoops program, Jones's skill and experience can help take Lock Haven's program to where it wants to go. So, when the NCAA afforded an extra year of eligibility, the thought of playing for his hometown school creeped in again.
As a digital communications degree is handed to him in May from the division three institution in Annville, Jones will take the summer off and jump into his graduate degree.
"After my junior year (in college) I knew I had my fifth year to use," Jones said. "Once I knew I had the opportunity of playing somewhere else I knew I could make this happen."
Growing up as a kid, Jones had LHU at the tip of his fingertips and in the backyard of his home. Although becoming a Bald Eagle wasn't his top option as a high school senior, the three-time MAC first-team honoree is ready to make that jump.
Committing to play at your hometown university doesn't happen to anyone, but becoming a Bald Eagle will be special because it runs in the Jones family. Collin's parents, Leigh and Albert Jones, both attended Lock Haven University together and were athletes. Albert became a Bald Eagle hall-of-famer as a football standout and Leigh was a cheerleader.
When Collin's sister, Kiahna, committed to play basketball for Lock Haven in December, the decision became a no-brainer. Collin will make it a true LHU family when he puts on a Bald Eagle uniform this winter when he plays for the men's basketball program.
"My mom and dad both went there, and my sister is going there (in the fall)," Jones said. "If I could create my own legacy at LHU that would mean a lot. To keep it in the family and be able to have something to relate to between the family would be special."
Collin has a special opportunity in front of him. LVC is coming off one of its tougher seasons having finished 7-18 last year and just 5-11 in the MAC. But what Jones brings to the table is his experience and knowledge of the game--like the 'feel' for the game and speed of playing at the Division II PSAC level.
Coach Nestor obviously coaches a different style of play than what Jones played for at LVC. But the relationship that's been built between Nestor and Jones will play a positive factor in Jones helping guys develop into an asset for the Bald Eagles.
"The past two years we've had the youngest groups return back-to-back (at LVC). I'll be able to help get teammates to understand offenses and defenses in the time span. I'll be able to guide young players on how Nestor works and what he wants to do, and I can help bridge the gap between Nestor and the young guys which will help in their development."
For freshmen coming in, or second and third-year players who didn't see the floor much last season for coach Nestor, Jones can help guide them in their experiences. Off the floor, he can help guide the team with their studies and can grow as a person with the guys.
On the floor he brings a low-post scoring and rebounding physicality that will benefit the team of five departing seniors. His physicality--battling in practice to fight for playing time--and IQ of the game will be fun to watch.
"I think I can be a player that brings energy and does some of the dirty work here and there. I can be a player that people can rely on to get rebounds and score points and coach Nestor acknowledges that," Jones mentioned.
Regardless of how Jones's one-year stint as a Bald Eagle plays out, the Jones family will have a lot to be proud of. Four athletes playing at one school isn't something you see often, and it'll be something that their family can smile at for the rest of their lives.
It's now Collin and Kiahna's turn to make something of their LHU experience. Whether it's setting records or getting a degree, one thing is for sure: Collin will stand as a mentor for her little sister while they both continue to write their collegiate stories.
"Whatever she needs I'll be there for her," Jones concluded. "I'll be able to help her academically, help guide her through her college career and see her grow as a person."