Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Radford University has dipped into a local basketball program for the second time in as many weeks, and the signee is a familiar face to head coach Mike Jones.
His son, Miles, has helped Radford High School win two state crowns and three-straight district titles. He committed to RU on Monday.
Last week, RHS’s Quinton Morton-Robertson, who is also Miles’ best friend, also committed to the Highlanders.
Jones, who averaged 11 points and seven rebounds in 2017-18, is a 6’6 senior on a team that is expected to again be one of the best in the state this coming season.
The Bobcats took the 1A state title in 2016 and 2017.
Radford University won last season’s Big South Conference Tournament and advanced to the NCAA basketball championships, losing in the second round to eventual national champion, Villanova.
The Highlanders have four seniors on this year’s squad that includes local standout, Caleb Tanner, who excelled at nearby Floyd County High School.
Jones received attention from several other mid-major programs but decided to make his decision before his senior basketball season begins.
The teenager admits there are both pros and cons to having a coach as a father, but for the most part, there are plenty of positives.
“It has been fun to be around all aspects of the game, and I have seen my share of college practices,” he said.
Miles said his father “coaches” him up a lot.
“He always tries to schedule his practices so he can attend my games,” he previously said.
Now, his father will get to see more of his games first-hand.
The elder Jones has put together back-to-back 22-win seasons in (2013, 2014) and participated in the College Basketball Invitational tournament where he produced wins over Oregon State and Delaware State.
Miles’ brother, Nate, plays at Bucknell.