Duke men's basketball 2016-17 player preview: Matt Jones

Matt Jones

• Year: Senior
• Height: 6-foot-5
• Position: Guard
• Last year’s statline: 10.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.3 APG

Game Breakdown: After averaging more than 30 minutes per game last year, Jones will again be a crucial piece in the Blue Devils' rotation, providing much-needed experience as a second-year captain on a team expected to rely heavily on its highly-touted freshman class. Unlike some of his teammates, Jones is not known to be especially flashy on offense. Rather, he is a consistent shooter and hard-nosed defender, with the size and skills to handle a variety of opponents.

Jones impressed with his ability to knock down 3-pointers in his sophomore campaign and improved his shot even more last season, shooting 41.5 percent from behind the arc as he nearly doubled his points per game output. And at 6-foot-5, he can fit well into both big and small lineups, giving head coach Mike Krzyzewski valuable flexibility in the lineups he chooses to run and boosting the depth Duke already enjoys at multiple positions.

Role on the Team: As in years past, Jones’s role will not be as the primary ball-handler, but rather an off-ball guard who finds the majority of his shots around the perimeter. But although he may not typically bring the ball up the court, don’t be surprised if he assumes point guard responsibilities on some possessions, sharing duties with Frank Jackson, Grayson Allen, Luke Kennard and even some of the big men like Amile Jefferson. Although his role may change slightly with the arrival of frontcourt depth in Durham, Jones’ responsibilities will be similar to last year—stretch the defense with outside shots and defend opposing guards on the wing.

NBA Comparison: Matt Jones is the prototypical “three-and-D” player—a guard with the ability to knock down 3-pointers while also providing a strong presence on defense, both on and off the ball. An apt NBA comparison is Trevor Ariza of the Houston Rockets. Although Ariza is slightly taller than Jones, each offers his team a reliable scoring option from downtown as well as a versatile defender who can match up well to both guards and forwards.

Projected stats: 7.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.8 APG

Stay tuned to the Blue Zone for our final player preview with graduate student Amile Jefferson tomorrow. Previous players previewed include Jack White, Javin DeLaurier, Frank Jackson, Marques Bolden, Jayson Tatum, Harry Giles, Justin Robinson, Antonio Vrankovic, Chase Jeter, Luke Kennard, Sean Obi and Grayson Allen.