Nov. 13, 2009

By Jeff Honza
Southeast Missouri State Sports Information

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State University men's basketball program signed power forward Waylon Jones to a national letter of intent for the 2010-11 season. Jones is out of Albany Tech Community College in Albany, Ga.

"We are pleased to announce that Waylon has joined our program," said Redhawks head coach Dickey Nutt. "He is very athletic and we look for him to be a good defender, rebounder and shot-blocker."

A native of Rocky Mount, N.C., Jones stands at 6-foot-9 and 195 pounds. He averaged eight points, 6.5 rebounds and two blocks per game in 15 starts as a freshman. Jones served as both a sixth man and part-time starter for the Titans last year.

"Waylon is an explosive guy with a long wingspan," said Albany Tech Community College head coach Sylvester Patterson. "He can step out and hit the three and has a very high basketball IQ."

Nutt added that recruiting Jones was a high priority because the Redhawks lose three of their post players to graduation after this season.

"We have to get bigger as a team quickly," commented Nutt. "Waylon is a good communicator and we believe he will fit in well with what we are trying to accomplish as a program."

A key player during the Titans' 20-win season in 2008-09, Jones is trying to let a stress fracture heal that has sidelined him until at least January.

Jones graduated from Cross Keys High School two years ago before heading to Albany Tech.

The Redhawks have two scholarships remaining for the 2010-11 season.