Rose Jones looks to impress as NBA Draft approaches

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – You’re used to seeing him at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

But now Rose Jones hopes to swap the Butler blue for a professional jersey.

“That’s been my dream ever since I was a little kid. For me to have an opportunity to even have a chance to get drafted – I’m really grateful for it,” said Jones.

Lifting weights, receiving treatment, getting in the gym, and finishing off the day with conditioning have become the norm for Jones. The former Bulldog has all the tools needed for a professional – work ethic, basketball IQ, and experience with a winning program.

“He’s been very successful in his career thus far. And one of the main things he does is he comes up big. When his team needs him, he has the ability to produce whatever they need,” said Robert Blackwell, director of basketball skills development at St. Vincent Sports Performance.

While Jones was only his team’s third leading scorer last season, Blackwell says his potential is what makes Jones so appealing to professional teams.

“His game is going to continue to evolve. We haven’t seen the best of Rose Jones because he works so hard, because he’s always developing,” said Blackwell.

Jones has already garnered interest from some NBA teams – working out with the Washington Wizards, and the Boston Celtics, led by his former coach, Brad Stevens

“The first workout I was kind of nervous. But as we kept going, I got into a rhythm. Coach Stevens even said he was impressed with how I played in my first NBA workout,” said Jones.

With the NBA draft on the horizon, Jones will soon know where his talents will take him this year.

“My goal is to get drafted, but if that doesn’t happen, the next thing is getting picked up by a summer league team,” said Jones.

Regardless of the outcome – it’s clear that the sky is the limit when it comes to Jones.