Allen, Jones sign letters-of-intent with men's basketball

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Kermit Davis had two items atop his wish list during the recent recruiting period and the veteran Middle Tennessee men's basketball coach was able to achieve both when the NCAA late signing period began Wednesday.

Davis announced the signing of guard Eric Allen and post Josh Jones to national letters of intent Wednesday, filling a pair of needs.

"We really wanted to target a junior college shooting guard and we hope Eric is that, and we wanted to add a more physical front line player and we think Josh is that," Davis said. "The character of both guys is extremely high. Each of their mom's and dad's are great people and they played in two very good junior college programs. There is no doubt in my mind they will be college graduates at Middle Tennessee. The unknown in the recruiting process that you have to determine is the toughness and the day-to-day grind of our level. If they can adapt to that then they have a chance to have very good careers here."

Allen (6-5, 185) enjoyed a stellar career at Marion (Ala.) Military Institute, where he was regarded as a premier perimeter shooter. He led the Alabama Community College Conference in scoring at 22.2 points per game and he also averaged 6.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals.

The well-rounded Allen shot 58 percent from the field and an eye-popping 44 percent from 3-point range. He scored 30 or more points six times and recorded seven double doubles. Allen knocked down four or more 3-pointers nine times last season.

"Eric had an outstanding year at Marion Military Institute. He can shoot for a high percentage behind the 3-point line, he is very athletic and is a run-and-jump guy," Davis said. "The area where he has to have a great summer and fall is strength and conditioning, as well as working on his ball handling. He is a guy who can bring some different things to our team and improve us in two or three different areas."

Allen nailed 16-of-21 3-pointers during one five-game span and his shooting prowess is a definite asset.

"I can shoot it and that's what Middle Tennessee wants me to do," Allen said. "I do all the other stuff, too. I play hard, I defend and I'll go get rebounds. I want to do anything to win games and I want to help Middle Tennessee get to the NCAA Tournament. I want to play in the national tournament."

Allen hopes he is one of the missing pieces who can help Middle Tennessee reach the national postseason. The Blue Raiders return all five starters and their top eight players from last season's team that reached the Sun Belt Conference championship game.

Mike Mitchell of the Midwest Scouting Service, a national recruiting service, believes Middle Tennessee got one of the steals of the late signing period.

"I know Middle Tennessee has a good team coming back but if (Allen) fits into what they do he has the potential to be an all-conference player," Mitchell said. "He is the real deal. He's a great 3-point shooter, and his game isn't fragmented like a lot of 3-point shooters. He can do all the other things and he's real athletic. He can catch and shoot or go get his own shot. He's not the kind of player you are going to see come into the Sun Belt every year."

Jones is another big catch for the Blue Raiders, literally.

The 6-foot-9, 240-pound post player averaged six points and 3.4 rebounds for Brunswick last season but according to Brunswick coach Walter Shaw the numbers don't tell the story.

"He's very skilled for a post man," Shaw said. "He's very smart and skilled with the ball. He can dribble, shoot and pass real well. Stats don't indicate anything about Josh. We played 14 kids a night and we scored about 98 points (on the average). We run things for our guards and get it up the floor. We just didn't run things for Josh early but we did late in the year because of how he came on. He got that sophomore sense of urgency."

Davis said Jones was one of the most improved players he saw from the beginning of the season to the end during the recruiting process.

"He is one of the most improved players I saw from the beginning of the fall to the end of the year when his team was playing in the Junior College Regional Finals," Davis said. "He has good hands, a big body, and he has a knack for post moves and playing. We just have to get Josh in great physical shape and he has the body to do that. His upside is very high."

Jones actually signed with Brunswick as a 6-6 guard but he continued to grow after the signing period and eventually reached his current 6-9 frame. His skills as a former guard are still evident.

"That's what catches your eye early," Davis said. "He can shoot it from 18-to-20 feet, he is a good passer, he can drive the ball, he is very skilled and has a big body. It's just a good mixture."

Allen and Jones join Culleoka High guard DeMario Williams, a Mr. Basketball Finalist in Tennessee, in Middle Tennessee's 2008 recruiting class.