NORTHERN ARIZONA

NAU’s Jones on display in college all-star game

Apr 2, 2011, 1:12 AM | Updated: 2:14 am

HOUSTON, Texas – Northern Arizona senior guard Cameron Jones scored 14 points to help the West squad post a 113-108 victory in the Reese’s® College All-Star game played at Reliant Stadium, the site of this weekend’s Final Four.

“I am happy I stood out,” said Jones. “I was trying to be aggressive. It did not matter who was covering me because I believe in my ability. My three-point shot fell and from there it was history. I got a couple steals which got me going too. I thought I played pretty well.”

Jones scored 12 of his 14 points in the first half, scoring eight straight in one stretch, earning praise from former NBA and college standout Greg Anthony, who was announcing the game for truTV.

“Cameron has the ability make shots,” said Anthony during the broadcast. “He shows the quickness and strength, taking contact and having the vision to still be able to finish above the rim. You love that from the guard position.”

After entering the game after the first media timeout, Jones’ quick start saw him start with a drive in the lane, drawing a foul for a three-point play. He then hit a three-pointer and another jumper, finishing the half going 5-for-6 from the field.

“It did not hit me how big of a stage it was until I got to the arena and got on the court with the Lowe’s presentation,” said Jones.

Jones took part in a on-court presentation for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, earning selection to the 2010-11 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award All-America Second Team with Dodie Dunson of Bradley, Matt Howard of Butler, Jon Leuer of Wisconsin and Kyle Singler of Duke.

National player of the year Jimmer Fredette of Brigham Young University has been selected as the 2010-11 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award winner in men’s basketball. The announcement and trophy presentation were made today in Houston by Lowe’s, an official corporate partner of the NCAA®, during open practices for the Men’s Final Four®.

Jones was interviewed on the national television broadcast by sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson and was one of the featured players during the halftime show hosted by Greg Gumbel.

Arizona Head Coach Sean Miller, who was on the truTV studio crew, was very impressed with his play.

“I am familiar with Cameron Jones in a big way,” said Miller. “We played against them twice, Arizona versus Northern Arizona. I have seen him do things in the first half he did well in college. He moves well without the ball and he is physical and big. For a guard, he can score inside the arc as well as any player in the game.”

Jones finished 6-for-8 from the field and 2-for-2 at the line with two rebounds and three steals in 18 minutes.

“He played well,” said Head Coach Mike Adras, who watched the game courtside. “He came out and asserted himself early and it was a thrill to watch. People around us knew we were from Northern Arizona and were cheering for him.”

Adras said the exposure Jones received from participation in the game and becoming a finalist for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award will pay huge dividends for the program.

“It says a lot for Northern Arizona University to have someone participate in this kind of event,” said Adras. “It will certainly help us in recruiting.”

Andrew Goudelock from the College of Charleston led the West with a game-high 21 points, leading six players in double figures. The game featured players selected by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).

Michigan State’s Kalin Lucas had 18 points while Morehead State’s Kenneth Faried finished with a double-double scoring 17 points to go with his game-tying high 18 rebounds in the win.

The West shot 50.5 percent from the field (46-91) while making 10 for 25 from 3-point range (40 percent).

Georgetown’s Austin Freeman was one of seven players from the East in double figures as he finished with a team-high 21 points. Mississippi’s Chris Warren had 14 points while Marquette’s Jimmy Butler added 12 points. Gary McGhee, from the University of Pittsburgh, had ten points and a game-high tying 18 rebounds in the loss.

The East team, which led 59-57 at halftime, shot 47.9 percent from the floor (45-94) while connecting on 10 of 34 from behind the arc.

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