With the selection, Jones became the highest-ever drafted Bull and the first in 20 years.
Jones’ name was announced at Madison Square Garden by NBA Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik as the third pick in the second of two rounds and 33rd overall. He was the third-straight BIG EAST player selected and one of 11 overall. Jones had been projected as either a late first round selection or second round pick.
“We are extremely excited for Solomon,” USF head coach Robert McCullum said. “He has worked extremely hard to add strength and weight and has overcome a lot of doubters with his ability. I hope his selection being as high as it was speaks to player development at the collegiate level and its ability to prepare players for a professional career.”
Jones (6-10, 230) is the first USF player selected in the draft since Curtis Kitchen in 1986, who was selected by Seattle in the sixth round.
The Mount Dora, Fla., native was a two-year letterwinner (2004-05 and 2005-06) for the Bulls after transferring from Daytona Beach CC. He earned Honorable Mention All-BIG EAST accolades as a senior after finishing among the league leaders in rebounding and blocked shots. Jones concluded the year averaging 13.2 points per game and 9.8 boards per game and blocked 90 shots.
Should Jones earn a spot on the regular season roster, he would be one of two former USF players currently playing in the NBA. Chucky Atkins (1993-96) currently owns a seven-year NBA career, having most-recently played for the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2005-06 campaign.
USF
Draft Picks
Player
Year
Team
Round
Solomon Jones
2006
Atlanta
2nd
Curtis
Kitchen
1986
Seattle
6th
Charlie
Bradley
1985
Sacramento 3rd
Jim
Grandholm
1984
Washington 4th
Vince
Reynolds
1982
Cleveland
6th
Tony Grier
1982
San Antonio 4th
Willie
Redden
1982
San Antonio 3rd