Illinois Basketball 2018-19 Player Review: Tevian Jones

By The Numbers

Similar to Alan Griffin, Tevian Jones played sparingly, averaging 9.2 minutes per game. In those minutes, Jones averaged 3.5 points per game, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.2 assists.

He shot 40.8% from the field, which is encouraging. He also shot 90.9% from the free throw line, which is excellent, albeit a small sample size (10-11). His assist-to-turnover ratio was 1.3.

All numbers can be taken with a grain of salt, given the lack of major minutes this season. However, Jones' field goal percentage and free throw shooting numbers are nice to see from 6-foot-7 wing with that kind of athleticism. His three point percentage (29.7%) is a little worrisome, but with more attempts and more minutes, given his history, there's no reason to think that percentage will raise dramatically in the coming seasons.

He's also lightning in a bottle, a player that can throw down ridiculous alley oops and transition dunks to electrify the crowd.

Impact on the Illini

Given the lack of playing time, you can't really argue the impact Tevian Jones had on the 2018-19 Illini. His eight-game suspension and troubles off the court — although, not made public specifically — created more problems than solutions.

However, when he played, you could see the tantalizing skill set. He seems like a willing rebounder. His defense needs some work (105.5 defensive rating), but his effort is there, and with his size and speed, he'll be better as he progresses.

His impact will be seen more in future seasons than this past one. His length, his frenetic style of play, and his tremendous upside are reasons for Illinois to be excited about the future going forward.

Jones' Best Game

This one is easy.

On the road, at Madison Square Garden, in front of a very pro-Maryland crowd, Tevian Jones put up a career day in a win against the thirteenth-ranked Terrapins. He scored 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-9 from three.

More importantly, he looked comfortable within the offense. He slashed to the basket, throwing down dunks. He showed a quick trigger on transition threes. He weaved in and out of the defense, and looked like a major piece of the future.

The Quick and Dirty

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.

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