Lots of news has been making its way aroun the internet lately with regards to Lamont Jones, the starting PG for basketball powerhouse Oak Hill. Apprently the former Louisville commit has recently decommitted from Virginia Tech and is now back on the market. From the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

Lamont Jones is no longer committed to Virginia Tech's basketball team, according to Steve Smith, his coach at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson.

"I really thought Virginia Tech was a good fit for him," Smith said. "An opportunity to play and play in the ACC. I was a little disappointed. But he wants to open things up."

Jones has set up a visit for April 10-12 to Southern California, Smith said.

A 5-11 point guard, Jones committed to Tech in November but did not sign a letter of intent during that period (Nov. 12-19), because his mother, Janeen Fuller, wanted to be present when he signed, Smith said in November. Jones was scheduled to sign when the spring signing period began April 15.

With the spring signing period right around the corner, it was interesting to hear that he would be visiting SC just before national LOI day. Well things have moved pretty quick, and apparently he is already a strong USC lean. From Zags Blog (HT to uschoops):

Two of the top available point guards on the market could soon be finding new homes.

Lamont Jones of Oak Hill Academy will visit Southern Cal April 10-11 and will sign in New York April 17 just before the Jordan Brand Classic at Madison Square Garden, according to Oak Hill coach Steve Smith.

Asked where Jones will end up, Smith said, “Most likely USC.”

To be honest, I had never heard of Lamont Jones before, so I had to do a little bit of digging to get a bead on him. The consensus seems to be that he is a score first PG with decent speed and a need to improve his handle and passing. From the little bit that I saw of him on youtube I have to say that I'm not particulalry in love with his game. Its nice to see him make difficult shots and use his body to create space and draw contact, but on the other hand it kind of makes you wonder how many missed shots didn't make it into that highlight tape. Also, I don't know how beneficial a PG with a score first mentality will be on a team that may welcome back 3 of its top four scorers along with a PF that has one of the most polished offensive skill sets in the country. In Jones' defense though, he did show nice range and decent quickness and with a wide looking frame there is definitely a base to build off of. Not to sure if I would spend a scholie on him, especially considering that Donte Smith should be better next year along with a pair of top flight PGs in Gary Franklin (led nationally ranked Mater Dei this season) and Ryan Boatright (3rd team all Illinois) coming in over the next two classes, but I trust that Floyd will make the best decision for the program.

National signing day is just around the corner, and with a pair of players in  Solomon Hill and Renardo Sidney who are commited but not signed things sure could look different a few weeks from now. Wonder how this is all going to play out...