Last-minute Madness: Jones, Mabry, Thornton make their picks
Words. Jason Jordan
Terrence Jones
Whichever coach coined the phrase “Better never than late” couldn’t have been much of a gifted recruiter.
On the last day of the late signing period, three big names finally decided on where they’d attend college. Rocky Mount High (N.C.) forward TaShawn Mabry went far away from home by picking Rhode Island, Westlake High (Atlanta, Ga.) forward Marcus Thornton stayed local with the Georgia Bulldogs, and Jefferson High (Portland, Ore.) All-American forward Terrence Jones opted to go with Kentucky, backing out of his verbal commitment to Washington.
“It was a little late,” said Mabry. “But you’ve just got to make sure you’re making the right decision.”
Mabry ended his career as one of the most accomplished players in North Carolina’s storied history. Earlier this season he became Rocky Mount’s all-time leading scorer (2,411 points), bypassing former UNC point guard and 1979 NBA Rookie of the Year Phil Ford. Mabry led the Gryphons to the 3A state championship while averaging 25 points, nine rebounds, five blocks, two steals and three assists a game.
“It was the best situation for me,” said Mabry of Rhode Island. “I love their style of play, and I really liked the coaches and the campus when I visited there recently. I’m happy that it’s over. Now I can just sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of my senior year.”
Thornton was Georgia’s Mr. Basketball and chose the Bulldogs over Alabama, Georgia Tech and Texas. North Carolina tried to lure Thornton to Chapel Hill after they lost forwards David Wear and Travis Wear to transfer, but Thornton was too far along in the process to seriously consider the Tar Heels. Thornton signed a letter of intent with Clemson in November, but was let out of it after Oliver Purnell left to coach at DePaul.
“They were all great schools, great situations; the coaching staffs were all great. It was hard for me to pick one over another,” Thornton told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “But in the end, I liked the opportunity I could have at Georgia. I wanted to be a big piece of something. I felt in my heart that’s what I really wanted to do.”
Jones became the second recruit in this class — Turkish center Enes Kanter was first — that Kentucky coach John Calipari managed to lure to Kentucky after initially being committed to Washington.
On April 30, Jones held a press conference at his school and announced that he was planning to attend Washington. But later in the day, after speaking with Calipari on the phone, Jones decided not to sign. On Wednesday he signed a financial aid agreement, which binds Kentucky to Jones, but Jones isn’t obligated to attend Kentucky.
Got a burning question for Jason? Email him: JasonJ@DimeMag.com
I thought CJ Leslie guarenteed that Mabry would be at NC State next season……smh!
dannnnnnngggggg, i was really looking forward 2 seeeing him play 4 the next 4yrs at ncs at least once a week.
now he’s on the east coast with akeem richmond a uri. i stll support the kid and glad he made the best decision 4 him and not everyone eelse. thats a sure sign of maturity and a kid knowing what he wants and the best way 2 get it!
good luck tay, stay true 2 yourself and stay hungry!!!