Liberty has announced the addition of Jones.
“RJ was really highly touted coming out of high school with his experience with USA Basketball and high-level AAU competition, not to mention his high school years at The Rock School and a season of tutelage under (Virginia Tech head coach) Mike Young,” Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay said in a release. “We feel really good about his inclusion in our family. He’s really skilled offensively not just in his shooting but also in his ability to see the floor. The quality of individual he is and the family he comes from fits our university and basketball program like a glove!”
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Liberty has picked up its first commitment in this year’s transfer portal, adding a pledge from Virginia Tech transfer Ryan Jones, Jr. He announced his commitment in an Instagram post.
A 6’8″, 240-pound forward, Jones is originally from Gainesville, Florida where he attended The Rock School. Jones was a consensus four-star recruit out of high school. He was rated as the 69th best prospect in the 2024 class according to 246Sports while also being recognized as the 12th best player in the state of Florida and the 12th best center nationally. Jones was born in Lafayette, Indiana.
This past season as a true freshman for the Hokies, Jones played in five games, going 3 for 5 from the floor. He recorded four points and one rebound in his first collegiate game against Delaware State on Nov. 4. Jones will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Out of high school, Jones had numerous offers including Virginia Tech, Florida, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Missouri, NC State, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Xavier, and others.
Jones is the first commitment for Coach McKay and the Flames in this year’s transfer portal. Liberty has as many as three roster spots still open after Jones’ commitment. He will be added to a frontcourt that includes returners Zach Cleveland and Zander Yatesas well as Isaiah Ihnen and Josh Smith who are returning off injury.
