Refocusing on Terrence Jones

After a long day for the Pinkie at the track yesterday, it’s time to catch back up on the Terrence Jones drama. Let’s go through and run down what we know, or at least what we think we know:

-Terrence Jones verbally committed to Washington in a press conference where most were pushing for the Huskies, including close friend Terrence Ross.

-After revealing in interviews just how tough of a choice it was between UK and Washington, a 15 minute conversation took place between Jones and John Calipari. It is unclear who placed the phone call. Jones determined that he had more thinking to do before he could sign a LOI.

-Since the false step, Jones has been talking over the decision with family, culminating with a “meeting of the minds” with his mother last night and a final decision could come at any time.

Even though UK is in the mix and there’s a lot of uncertainty out there, I don’t think you can classify Jones as anything other than a Washington lean. It will take a lot for Jones to overcome the pressure on him to stay with Washington and the embarrassment of changing at this point.

During his announcement, Jones specifically singled out his strong relationship with UK assistant Orlando Antigua. Since the announcement and Cal’s call with Jones, Antigua has been in regular contact with him. I believe that the UK staff was caught off guard by Jones’ pick. This surprise and the fact that they probably believe a big part of Jones wants to choose Kentucky is why they are still pursuing him as they are.

Like I said, a decision could come at any time. I, for one, think that today could be the day. Jones wants to get this overwith before he has to deal with a school day tomorrow. If I’m guessing, I say we begin to hear word of a decision late this evening with quotes from Jones confirming it.

Just like leading up to Friday, UK and Washington are both firmly in the mix and will be in Jones’ ear until a final decision is made. We’ll have coverage along the way.