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Verdell Jones III of Champaign Central high school is considered by many to be the top uncommitted senior in Illinois, and everyone seems to be curious as when he will make his college decision. Though he currently has a host of high major schools courting his services, Verdell has decided to wait awhile longer before he decides.

“I am going to wait until January to decide on a school, and right now I have no leader,” stated Verdell.

Jones has schools from coast to coast trying to add him to their 2008 recruiting haul, but all of them will have to wait a little while longer to see if they are the right fit for Verdell. Jones recently took visits to Minnesota and Kentucky, and liked what he saw at both schools. He plans on taking a few more visits in the near future so that he can find the school that is the perfect fit for him. “In a college I’m looking for the right style of play, a good coach with good connections, and a school that’s in a good conference and has good academics,” said Jones.

“Kentucky, Minnesota, Tennessee, Oklahoma and New Mexico State have offered,” he continued. “Other schools offered too but I decided to sign late so they picked up other guards; schools like Georgia Tech, Marquette, and Virginia. North Carolina, Texas, and Oregon have contacted in the past week.”

The 6-4 point guard is a flashy scorer with a very high basketball I.Q. and a great feel for the game. Jones’ basketball ability has never been in question for college coaches, but his skinny frame is an area for concern. Jones is very small for his height, but he is working hard to change that. Jones, who is possible going to be a red-shirt candidate knows that this is an area for concern, and addressed the issue. “I’m up to 175 lbs. right now, and I have been lifting and working out with a personal trainer to get bigger.”

Jones will suit up this season for Champaign Central high school, along side 6-4 wing Donald Stewart, also one of the top uncommitted seniors in Illinois. Central will feature two other solid prospects, in seniors Jerry Exum, a 6-5 SF, and Keith Biggers, a 6-7 post.

Central plays one of the toughest schedules in the state, as they will be playing a number of highly regarded teams from around the country. “We are in the tournament of champions in Peoria,” stated Verdell. The TOC is one of the top tournaments in the nation this season. “We play Scott Suggs (Washington Commit) in Missouri, and we play in the Pro Bass Shootout in Springfield, Missouri; that has Christ the King and a bunch of top ranked teams in the nation. We also play Whitney young at the Assembly Hall shoot out and we play in the Great Florida Shoot Out”

When asked which game he is most excited for, Verdell didn’t hesitate to let us know which day was circled on his calendar. “I’m excited to play Whitney Young. I heard they are top 25 in the nation this year, so I think that will be a pretty fun game.”

For the latest on Verdell Jones and Champaign Central, keep it with IllinoisHSbasketball.com