After a standout graduate season at Kansas State, Max Jones is heading overseas to begin his professional career.
Jones signed his first pro contract with Manchester Basketball of the Super League Basketball which replaced the former British Basketball League as the top-level men’s basketball competition in Great Britain.
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to sign with Manchester,” Jones said in a written statement. “This is a big step in my journey, and I’m ready to give everything I’ve got, on and off the court. I’m looking forward to joining a great team, representing the city, and making an impact.”
The 6-foot-5 guard from Clearwater, Florida, spent five seasons in college basketball — starting at Division II Tampa, then moving to Cal State Fullerton, and finishing at K-State in 2024–25. He started 114 of 117 career games and totaled 1,710 points, with 27 games of at least 20 points and six 30-point performances, including a career-high 39 against Florida Tech in 2021. He earned two First Team All-Sunshine State Conference honors and an All-Big West honorable mention at Fullerton.
In his lone season in Manhattan, Jones became one of the Wildcats’ most consistent pieces through an up-and-down year. He started every game, averaging 9.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and two assists.
His future beyond that season, however, wasn’t always certain.
As lawsuits and eligibility rulings reshaped the NCAA landscape this spring, Jones emerged as a possible candidate for an extra year due to his Division II background.
Head coach Jerome Tang praised Jones’ leadership and steady presence and made clear that the staff would support a return if the opportunity arose.
“We’re gonna turn over every rock and figure it out,” Tang said during the season. “Normally, when one kid gets it, to avoid a series of lawsuits, [the NCAA will] just do a blanket waiver, like they did for [Pavia]. And so I hope to see that happen.”
Ultimately, no blanket waiver for former Division II athletes was issued, and Jones elected to begin his professional career abroad.
“We are really happy to bring in Max,” said Manchester general manager Dominique Allen in a written statement. “We’ve been impressed with what we’ve seen of him — his impact on defense and ability to create and score on the offensive side. He’s already had invaluable experience in his five years in college. We’re excited to have him on our roster.”