Rival coach has high praise for Auburn’s Denver Jones

Jones averaged 20.1 points per game last season for FIU.

[autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag] has brought in five newcomers this offseason as he looks to rework Auburn’s roster after going 21-13 last season. One of the most anticipated transfers is [autotag]Denver Jones[/autotag], who spent the past two seasons at FIU.

His ability to score made him one of the top guards in the portal and a perfect fit for Auburn. The New Market, Alabama native averaged 20.1 points per game and made 37% of his shots from 3-point range.

Jones impressed Louisiana Tech head coach Talvin Hester, who called him “one of the best scorers” he faced all season.

“One of the best scorers I coached against all year,” Hester told Isaac Trotter of 247Sports. “You’re talking about a true sophomore. There are some guys who have special gifts. The ball goes in for him at a high clip. I don’t see any reason why he can’t be a 15-18 points per game guy if he buys into the practice and preparation that Bruce Pearl wants. If he gets an opportunity, I think you’ll see him do it at that level. I thought he was the best, night in, night out scorer in our league outside of Jelly Walker.”

Jones faced Hester three times last season and he averaged 21.7 points per game in their matchups. However, he had to work for his points, making just 38.3% of his shots and 27.3% of his 3-pointers.

He is expected to be Auburn’s No. 2 guard next season and the 6-foot-4 shooter brings some needed height and scoring ability to Auburn’s backcourt.

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