Michigan Commit DeVante’ Jones Withdraws From 2021 NBA Draft

Over the weekend, the Michigan Wolverines got some exciting news as Coastal Carolina transfer DeVante’ Jones announced he would be withdrawing from the 2021 NBA Draft, effectively finalizing his commitment to the Wolverines. Jones should add a stable depth piece to Michigan’s backcourt after the team lost a handful of key contributors there this offseason.

Jones spent three seasons at Coastal Carolina, where he put up massive numbers and earned Sun Belt Player of the Year honors last season. He played in a total of 81 games and averaged an impressive 19.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in his final season with the program. Jones is listed at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds and spent most of his time with the Chanticleers playing on the perimeter.

Like any other “up transfer,” there are going to be some major questions about how Jones’ game transitions to the Big Ten. His numbers are fantastic, but doing that against Sun Belt opponents is one thing and doing it against teams like Illinois, Michigan State, and Ohio State is another. There’s little debating these type of questions will be the biggest ones surrounding Jones heading into next season.

With all that said, there’s also little denying this is a massive pickup for Michigan. With Chaundee Brown, Isaiah Livers, Mike Smith, and Franz Wagner going pro, the program was really looking for some offensive production and experience. Jones fits both those bills and should be in immediate consideration to start alongside Eli Brooks in the backcourt next year. And add in star big man Hunter Dickinson and a loaded 2021 recruiting class and there are some serious reasons to be excited about what Jones’ addition could mean in Ann Arbor.

We’ll have to wait and see what Jones can actually do next season, but this is great news for Wolverine fans and quite an addition for the program heading into an important season. Juwan Howard and company should be tremendously excited.