Barton's Jones selected by Golden State in NBA second round draft #GoBarton

Former Barton Community College men's basketball standout Lajae Jones realized a lifelong dream Wednesday evening, selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 54th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft.

Jones played one season for the Cougars, leading Barton to the 2024 NJCAA Division I National title with a 36-1 record while earning the tournament's Most Valuable Player award and concluding his accolades as a Second Team NJCAA All-America selection.

Jones becomes the fourth player in Barton men's basketball history to be selected in the NBA Draft, the first since Robert Whaley was selected 51st overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2005 NBA Draft, joining Aleksandar Radojevic (Toronto Raptors, 12th pick 1999) and Kenny Williams (Indiana Pacers, 46th pick 1990).

After transferring from Tarleton State, the Seattle, Washington, native immediately established himself as Barton's top offensive threat, opening his Cougar career with a 30-point debut while knocking down six of seven three-point attempts. Jones went on to average 15.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while shooting 54 percent from the field and 42.2 percent from beyond the arc.

Known for his unselfish, team-first approach, Jones was a four-time KJCCC Player of the Week and one-time NJCAA National Player of the Week recipient, earning First Team All-KJCCC/Region 6 honors while leading Barton in scoring 14 times and rebounding in 22 contests, including each of the final seven games during Barton's march to the national championship. Jones closed out the national title game with 14 points and 13 rebounds for his 15th double-double of the season, finishing with 66 points, 43 rebounds, and two double-doubles across Barton's four national tournament victories despite battling foul trouble in two contests.

Jones is also the son of Barton Sports Hall of Famer and Cougar legend Jackie Jones, who was selected 17th overall by the Rapid City Thrillers in the 1991 CBA Draft, further adding to one of Barton's most accomplished basketball family legacies

"Lajae's story is what junior college basketball is all about," said Barton Head Coach Jeremy Coombs. "He came to Barton with a dream, trusted the process, helped lead us to a national championship, and never stopped pursuing his goal of playing in the NBA. Hearing his name called by the Warriors was an emotional moment because I know the sacrifices and hard work it took for him to get there. I couldn't be prouder of him and this amazing accomplishment."

Following his championship season at Barton, the 6-foot-7, 220-pound wing transferred to St. Bonaventure before concluding his collegiate career at Florida State. Over those two seasons, Jones continued developing into an NBA prospect, steadily elevating his draft stock through his combination of size, versatility, defensive ability, and consistent production before impressing scouts throughout the pre-draft process.

The Warriors are expected to introduce their draft picks Friday afternoon at the Chase Center, with Jones beginning to prepare immediately for NBA Summer League competition beginning July 3.