It took a year longer than expected and a major plot twist, but Rutgers basketball landed a commitment from one of its top Class of 2025 targets.

Dorian Jones, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard from the Cleveland area, has joined the Scarlet Knights just in time for the 2025-26 school year. Whether he will suit up and play this season remains to be seen.

Here are three things to know about Jones, who is rated four stars and ranked as the No. 88 prospect in the 2025 recruiting class.

1. He decommitted from Ohio State

Rutgers thought Jones’ commitment was a done deal last summer before Ohio State emerged at the 11th hour as his destination (Missouri and Michigan were Jones’ other finalists at the time). But then the Buckeyes continued to bring in guards for 2025-2026 through both the transfer portal and high school recruiting; in early June Jones asked to be released from his commitment. The Columbus Dispatch reported at the time that academics were an issue and Jones would head to prep school as a result.

It’s undetermined at this time what Jones’ game-eligibility status will be at Rutgers for the coming season – clarification from the NCAA might be needed – but he will enroll and be on the roster.

Smoke Williamson was Rutgers’ original lead assistant on Jones’ recruitment. This situation is a reminder that, given the transitory nature of today’s game, the old recruiting adage that “finishing second is the same as finishing last” no longer applies.

2. He has 3-and-D potential

That’s the scouting report on Jones, who helped Richmond Heights High School to three straight Ohio state titles.

“On the defensive end, he uses his plus wingspan to get in the passing lanes and he has quick feet which he uses to guard in the open floor,” Rivals’ national recruiting analyst Jamie Shaw wrote in 2024. “Offensively, Jones is still developing. He is a streaky shooter as his shooting base can get knocked off center when he shoots off movement or steps into a shot. His release can also flatten out off the catch. He fills the lanes quickly in transition and attacks the rim with purpose in the open floor.”

3. He’s the Scarlet Knights’ seventh freshman

The Scarlet Knights now have 14 scholarship players, which is allowable under the new rules but the most Steve Pikiell ever has had. Pikiell previously preferred a smaller scholarship roll to limit playing-time disaffection. Half of the Scarlet Knights’ roster will be freshmen.

There are pros and cons to this approach. On the one hand, freshmen generally are less expensive than transfers, and thus Rutgers can cast a wider net for potential impact newcomers. But the Scarlet Knights will be one of the youngest teams in the Big Ten once again. That said, the sport in general will be younger this season because the fifth-year “Covid guys” have cycled out of eligibility.  

Rutgers is particularly young in the backcourt, with four freshmen and two juniors (and just one returnee in Jamichael Davis). So if Jones does wind up activated, he will have every chance to climb the depth chart and make an impact.

RUTGERS’ PROJECTED 2025-26 DEPTH CHART

Guards (6): Jamichael Davis, Harun Zrno, Tariq Francis, Lino Mark, Kaden Powers, Dorian Jones

Wings (3): Dylan Grant, Darren Buchanan. Denis Badalau

Bigs (5): Manny Ogbole, Baye Fall, Chris Nwuli, Bryce Dortch, Gevonte Ware

Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com