Jones chooses to follow dream, declaring he’s available for NBA Draft

Mason Jones’ dream, he says, is to play in the NBA and he announced via Twitter on Friday morning he’s putting his name into the group for the draft … whenever that is held this summer.

Thank you Razorback nation ❤️

All God ???? pic.twitter.com/74FQdOajyT

— Mase (@masonjones2) March 27, 2020

The global health pandemic has put all of that in question, but Jones seemed pretty clear his decision has been made after winning Player of the Year honors in the SEC after leading the league in scoring.

“This has been a lifelong dream of mine to play in the NBA so I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life,” Jones said in the Twitter post.

Declaring eligibility is one thing. Getting picked for one of just 60 spots in the two-round draft is another.

ESPN’s draft ranking has him at No. 80 and the chances will be limited to immediately improve his standing. The NBA’s season has been suspended over the health pandemic and that includes any meetings with prospects or workouts.

The deadline to pull out of the draft and go back to college is also up in the air.

His senior year had some pretty impressive stats, averaging 22 points a game and shared Player of the Year honors with Mississippi State’s Reggie Perry and was named an honorable mention All-American by The Associated Press.

Jones was unanimously picked for the All-SEC first team by the coaches and media.

If he’s not selected for the draft his options will be to play out of the country or go to the NBA’s G-league.