Tevian Jones suspended indefinitely

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Sophomore wing Tevian Jones has been suspended indefinitely due to a violation of team academic policies, according to the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Jones, a former four-star guard from Culver City, California, committed to Illinois in April 2018. The 6-foot-6 wing was once considered an easy pickup for Arizona, but accusations regarding Wildcats head coach Sean Miller pulled Jones away from Tucson and helped the Illini grab him late in the recruiting cycle.

Jones averaged 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds per game in 24 games last season as a freshman, a campaign highlighted by a huge game at Madison Square Garden to help Illinois upset Maryland. He scored 18 points (4-of-9 from three) and had four rebounds to give the Illini a much-needed spark in the second half.

But many will remember his rookie season in Champaign due to an eight-game suspension for a violation of team rules, issued on Nov. 27.

Jones is expected to be a big piece as part of a sophomore core for Illinois in 2019-20.

We wrote about it earlier this year.

Jones is a big piece to the future success of Illinois. He flashes an easy style that should remind Illini fans of Michigan and Michigan State wings, like Caris LeVert or Jaren Jackson.

I expect his minutes to double next season, and his impact to be significant.

The only thing that can get in the way of Tevian Jones flourishing next season and putting up big numbers is Jones himself. Stay in the good graces of the coaching staff, and the sky is the limit.

Oh, and don’t transfer.

We’ll continue following this story as it progresses.