Coastal Carolina transfer DeVante’ Jones picks Michigan over Texas, others

As Chris Beard continues his search for a talent to fill out his roster, one of the best transfers in the country is no longer available, as former Coastal Carolina star DeVante’ Jones has announced his commitment to the Michigan Wolverines.

Jones chose Michigan over Texas, Memphis and Texas Tech. The news comes just days after four-year Longhorns starting floor general Matt Coleman elected to leave the program and enter the 2021 NBA Draft with an agent.

“They got three good guards and I can be that fourth guard so that can be a good fit. I like how they have an amazing fan base,” Jones previously said of the Longhorns. “I also like coach Beard being there. I spoke with him and got a good feel for him and what he got planned for me. They explained how I would be a more dominant ball handler and help create by making plays for myself and others. I would be creating for guys like Courtney Ramey and Andrew Jones. Sometimes I would move to the two and play alongside guys like Devin Askew. I haven’t spoken to any of the guys on the team yet but I know that can be a good fit as well.”

The reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year, Jones averaged 19.3 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game, and 2.8 steals per game last season, so he’s a unique talent who can shoot, he’s a high-level scorer, he rebounds bigger than his size and he’s an excellent defender. While he certainly could have bolstered a Texas roster that’s seen some key pieces return and added talented transfers elsewhere, missing on Jones isn’t exactly a worst-case scenario for Beard and the Longhorns.

Given the current roster outlook, Texas’ backcourt will feature some familiar veteran faces in Courtney Ramey, Andrew Jones and Jase Febres, and former top-35 national prospect and Kentucky transfer Devin Askew is joining that mix in Coleman’s place. Elsewhere, forward transfers Timmy Allen, Christian Bishop and Dylan Disu combined to average 43.2 points per contest last season, so they’ll help account for some of the scoring won’t be adding in Jones.

Texas is still awaiting decisions from forward Greg Brown III and center Jericho Sims.