Charlotte, NC - South Suburban (IL) sophomore guard Jemel Jones has been named the 2023-24 NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Player of the Year.
Jones was a crucial part of the Bulldogs' run to the championship game, leading the team and nation in scoring with 33.6 points per game, while also averaging 9.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 3.3 steals per game. The freshman scored at least 25+ points thirty-four times during the season, including five 40+ point performances and scoring above 19 points in all games played this year.
He ranked in the top-10 in numerous statistical categories, including points (1st, 1245), points per game (1st, 33.6), steals (1st, 122), defensive rebounds (2nd, 273), total rebounds (2nd, 362), and assists (3rd, 207).
During the national championship, the sophomore guard averaged 36.75 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, capped off with a 25-point, 7-rebound performance in the championship game against National Park. Jone's most impressive performance during the national tournament was a 46-point and 10-rebound performance in the semifinals against Ellsworth.
"I am extremely happy for Jemel. This award is well deserved. He led all of college basketball (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA) in scoring and did it with a versatile game. He grabbed almost 10 rebounds, dished out almost 6 assists and snatched over 3 steals a game, said South Suburban Head Coach John Pigatti. This award validates all of his hard work he put in this season on the court and in the classroom. His game will greatly transpire to the next level of his basketball career and his future is very bright. It was an honor and privilege to coach this fine young man this season".
Jemel Jones is the sixth player of the year to hail from South Suburban in the last 15 years.
Personal
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6'4"
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Blue Island, Illinois
2023-24 Statistics
- 33.6 points per game (1st in nation)
- 9.8 rebounds per game
- 55.5 field goal percentage
- 1245 points (1st in nation)
- 122 steals (1st in nation)
- 362 total rebounds (2nd in nation)
- 207 assists (3rd in nation)
2023-24 Accomplishments
- 2023-24 NJCAA DII Men's Basketball First Team All-America
- 2023-24 NJCAA DII Men's Basketball All-tournament Team
- 2023-24 NJCAA Region 4 Player of the Year
- 2023-24 NJCAA Region 4 First Team
- 2023-24 Region 4 Midwest District All-Tournament Team
- 2023-24 Region 4 Midwest District Tournament MVP
- Five 40+ point performances
- 23 Double-doubles
- Three Triple-doubles