Morgan Jones, an all-around athlete who also stars in volleyball, comes to NU as the ninth-ranked player in the nation and the third at her position by Hoopgurlz.com. The multi-sport team captain has been a first-team all-conference honoree in both volleyball and basketball. On the hardwood, she is a three-time selection and an All-State performer last season who is averaging 18.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg and four assists per outing during her high school career. She is also a three-year member of the Naval ROTC as well as a peer mentor who is active in the community, participating in Relay for Life and volunteering at children's hospitals in the Altamonte Springs area.
“I am proud to be part of D.E.B.O organization, they not only enhanced my skill level on the floor by also made me realize the importance of education and using the gifts I have to better my opportunities in life.”
While spending time in Chicago her 8th grade year, Morgan played volleyball for POWERHOUSE ACADEMY. This being her first introduction to volleyball, she developed a true love for the game.
“Playing for Powerhouse Academy was good for me because it introduced me to another sport in which was healthy. Both the developers at DEBO and the coaches at Powerhouse worked together for the betterment of me. That was rare.”
Volleyball being an option for her collegiate career, basketball is where the headline will come from. Jones, a 6-2 forward who may well find her future on the perimeter, is easily one of the most versatile players in the 2011 class. The maturation of her game over the last two years has allowed the potential she exhibited early to become a consistent reality in her play. Her size combines with impressive ballhandling and passing skills and an instinct for creating on the drive. Opponents in the Big Ten will be challenged to match up with her size and interior game or to address her threat for penetration. Jones length and agility also makes an asset defensively in the multi-scheme and aggressive defensive approach that McKeown's teams are always noted for.