Florida State has gained another commit to its 2026 recruiting class, announcing the signing of JD Jones on Wednesday.
“JD Jones is exactly the sort of young man we want in our program,” FSU head coach Loucks said in a statement. “He’s a high-character guy who brings toughness, consistency, and a team-first attitude to work every day. What stands out most is how he affects the culture: he competes, leads by example, and boosts those around him. We’re thrilled about what he offers both on and off the court. “
Jones, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 205 pounds, was a four-year starter who scored the second-most points in school history (1,762) while playing at Phoenix County Day School. His father, three-time NBA champion James Jones, the NBA’s current Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, enrolled him in a smaller program in order to offer him a more complete high school experience, which included playing every position on the court.
From the Arizona Republic:
James could have brought his son to any area to play high school basketball. He has the ability to have an impact at the highest level of the Arizona Interscholastic Association, 6A. He could have an impact at the elite high school level.
However, James believes that the quality of life his son is receiving as a person, rather than a player, at the north Phoenix private school is more important than being a member of a top-tier program that attracts Division I college coaches in search of talent.
“I believe that in order to be a fantastic player, you must first be a good person,” James said. “It’s not the three hours on the floor that defines you. It’s the 21 hours away from the court that defines you.
“I wanted to put him in a situation where the next 21 hours would allow him to be the best version of himself. And the ball will take care of itself. ”
Jones, who is unranked by the major recruiting services, is the sixth addition to the Seminoles’ No. 9-ranked (No. 2 in the ACC) class, which already includes four-star signees Brandon Bass Jr. , Martay Barnes, Jasen Lopez, Collin Paul, and Marcis Ponder.
Full release from Florida State:
TALLAHASSEE – Florida State has signed guard JD Jones to its 2026 recruiting class, head coach Luke Loucks stated on Wednesday.
“JD Jones is precisely the sort of young man we want in our program,” Loucks remarked. “He’s a high-character person who brings toughness, consistency, and a team-first approach to work every day. Most noteworthy is how he influences the culture: he competes, leads by example, and uplifts those around him. We’re excited about what he brings to the court both on and off it. “
According to the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings, FSU’s class is ranked ninth in the country and second in the ACC. Jones is the sixth pre-addition to the class, which also includes four-star signees Brandon Bass Jr. , Martay Barnes, Jasen Lopez, Collin Paul, and Marcis Ponder.
JD Jones | SG | 6-5 | 205 | Phoenix, Arizona | Phoenix Country Day School
BEFORE FSU: Four-year starter who scored 1,762 career points, the second-highest total in school history… four-time all-region pick… team captain as a senior… named regional Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year… first-team all-conference and all-region selections… led Phoenix Country Day School to a 25-2 record and a state semifinal appearance…opened the state tournament with 28 points in a first-round victory…scored 20 points to help the Eagles win in the quarterfinal round of the state tournament…helped Phoenix Country Day to 20 victories and a state semifinal participation during his junior season, then into the quarterfinal round of the state tournament as a sophomore… As a junior, he was awarded region Player of the Year, and as a sophomore and junior, he was named Defensive Player of the Year. The son of three-time NBA champion James Jones, the NBA’s current Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations.
Quote on JD Jones
“We are immensely proud of JD and the hard work he has put in to reach this milestone. Choosing to continue his career at Florida State University demonstrates his commitment, and we are thrilled to welcome him into the Seminole family. We know he will represent the Garnet and Gold with the same enthusiasm and honesty he has always demonstrated, and we are excited to see all of the wonderful things he will accomplish in Tallahassee. Go Noles! “
— Destiny & James Jones
JD’s Parents
