Rutgers men’s basketball has a new addition to its 2025 roster. Dorian Jones, a four-star recruit, has committed to the program, bringing the total number of players on the roster up to fourteen as the team is undergoing summer practices. Jones originally committed to Ohio State last year, but requested to be released from his National Letter of Intent in June.
The Scarlet Knights were originally one of four finalists for Jones, with Rutgers offering him for the first time in 2023. Jones took an official visit in 2024 and chose the Buckeyes over Rutgers, Michigan, and Missouri. Jones seemed high on the Rutgers program and their vision for him, but chose his home-state program as a native of Cleveland, Ohio.
“[Rutgers] wants me to be the foundation for the 2025 class. They want me to bring my defensive energy. I can pretty much guard all five spots on the floor. They emphasize getting stronger and packing some weight on for me. I speak with Coach Pike and Coach Smoke (assistant coach Marlon Williamson) often,” Jones said after his official visit.
From sources close to the Ohio State men’s basketball program, an academic issue caused Jones to postpone his enrollment at Ohio State. Jones originally opted to attend a prep school and join the Buckeyes program for the 2026 season, but got his academic issue resolved and has now joined the Scarlet Knights instead.
After spending a year as a Buckeyes commit, Jones will provide a big addition to Steve Pikiell’s roster and will get to see that vision take shape. He joins the Rutgers program as the highest-rated recruit in the Scarlet Knights’ 2025 class, in addition to being the 93rd-ranked recruit of the class overall. Jones measures at 6’4” and 160 pounds, adding size, scoring, and defensive ability to the backcourt.
Jones joins Lino Mark, Kaden Powers, and Harun Zrno as guards with four years of eligibility remaining, while veteran guards Jamichael Davis and Tariq Francis have two years left. At the forward positions, transfers Darren Buchanan Jr. and Dylan Grant are the likely starters, with Bryce Dortch, Chris Nwuli, and Denis Badalau serving as the depth pieces. At center, Baye Fall will be the likely starter after transferring to Rutgers from Kansas State, while Emannuel Ogbole and 2025 commit Gevonte Ware should serve as backup options.
Jamie Shaw, who is the Senior National Basketball Recruiting Analyst for On3, described Jones on both offense and defense. “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. 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.”
With four years of eligibility and a promising skillset on both ends of the court, Jones could develop into a quality starter for Rutgers while making his impact felt immediately. His size and defensive ability, in addition to his shooting potential and ability to attack the basket in transition, are all promising attributes that can complement the guard room. Jones will likely be in the rotation at shooting guard alongside fellow 2025 commits Kaden Powers and Harun Zrno, each of whom brings similar but unique abilities to the position.
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