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Alabama Basketball's Herbert Jones Aims to Have His Offensive Game Match his Defensive Prowess

Alabama forward/guard Herbert Jones' play will be key for the Crimson Tide to return to the NCAA Tournament under first-year coach Nate Oats
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — When Nate Oats was named head coach of the University of Alabama men’s basketball program, many players on the active roster decided to test the transfer portal waters.

Two left. Guard Dazon Ingram and forward Daniel Giddens, landed at Central Florida and Vermont, respectively. Two others filled out the paperwork, guards Kira Lewis, Jr. and John Petty Jr., but after Oats recruited them out of it. They decided to buy into what the coach from Buffalo was selling, which is a culture of high intensity and fast-paced basketball. 

For Herbert Jones, though, the idea of transferring after a coaching change was never an option.

“When I decided to come to Alabama, that was me committing for the long haul,” Jones said at SEC Media Days. “I was going to be here, regardless. When Coach Oats came in, I did my research on him and I thought, ‘Why would I leave?’ He has had success everywhere he has been at. 

"I am ready to roll with him.”

Jones is entering his junior season, and for Oats to find success in year one in Tuscaloosa, he knows that the Moundville, Ala., native will play a pivotal role.

“He’s as good a defensive player as there is in the country,” Oats said. “Defensively, he is one of the best kids I have ever coached. Offensively, it is no secret what he needs to work on and that his is jump shooting. If he really develops his shot, he will play a long time in the NBA."

Herb Jones and Kira Lewis Jr., 2019 SEC Media Day

Herbert Jones and Kira Lewis, Jr. at SEC Tipoff '20.

However, where he might fit in this year, positionally, has yet to be decided. 

Alabama is still waiting word on Jahvon Quinerly's request to play this season after transferring from Villanova. If it's rejected, Jones will play some point guard in addition to his other responsibilities. 

Those include playing small forward, and even at the bigger positions depending on the opponent. Due to season-long injuries, in the preseason, to junior-college transfer, James Rojas, and freshman Juwan Gary, Jones will have to be versatile and pick up the slack wherever it is.

“Coach Oats has been having me play the one, so I have been trying to figure out how to play the point guard position at the college level,” Jones said. “I am just out there to do whatever it takes to win. If he needs me to play the five, I will do it. My role on the team is to do whatever is best for the team.”

One of the staples of Jones’ game is his ability to take charges and effort on the defensive end. He's done it 40 times during his first two years with the Crimson Tide. His freshman year saw him take 23, which was a school record for most in a single-season. 

A year ago, he also led the team in steals with 32, and finished second in blocks with 20.

“Coming up, when I was watching college basketball, no one really took charges, so I wanted to add that to my game,” Jones said. “I just want to put my body on the line for the team.”

While his defensive ability is solid, Jones’ offensive skill set hadn't developed as hoped. During his sophomore campaign, he only averaged 6.2 points a game, shot 28 percent from deep, and his free throw percentage dropped to 49.

“I did not lose my confidence last year,” Jones said. “I dealt with some injuries and personal issues. I have been working on my shooting, especially, figuring how to play fast, but under control and not turning the ball over.”

Alabama basketball plater Herb Jones, 2018-19 season

Herb Jones is looking to make as big of a difference offensively as his jersey number change. 

The team's contrasts during his first two seasons have matched the difference between his offensive and defensive numbers. His freshman year witnessed a team go to the NCAA Tournament and win a game in the first round for the first time in 12 years.

His sophomore campaign finished in utter disappointment, as a team that was riddled with inconsistency lost in the first round of the NIT to Norfolk State.

With Oats at the helm, Jones says there is new life that will help this team achieve its goals, and maybe accomplish something special.

“We take after Coach Oats and his energy,” Jones said. “There is never a day when he comes into the gym feeling down. He is always energetic and it rubs off on us. We are trying to reach our maximum potential. We do not go out there to lose any games, we want to win them all. This year, we are going to do our best to win as many games as we can.”