JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Fletcher High School basketball star and Florida State guard Lajae Jones is headed to the NBA after being selected in the second round by Golden State on Wednesday night.
Jones, a 2022 graduate at Fletcher, had an excellent season with the Seminoles and played himself into the draft conversation. He was the 54th overall pick, and the first selection from a Gateway Conference program since James Collins went to the Clippers at pick No. 36 in 1997. Collins also played at Florida State after a career that ended with a Mr. Basketball selection at Jackson.
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Jones’ arc was far more subtle. He spent his freshman season at Tarleton State before going to Barton Community College as a sophomore, where he thrived. Then came a stop at St. Bonaventure, where he averaged 10.8 points and 5.8 rebounds a game as a junior. From there, James transferred to Florida State, where he averaged 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds a game for the Seminoles.
The 6-7 guard can shoot it from 3 (33% last season) and drive to the basket.
Area players selected in the NBA draft
Player, Local tie, NBA team, Round, Pick, Year
Kwame Brown, Glynn Academy, Washington Wizards, 1, 1, 2001
Roger Strickland, Bishop Kenny/JU, LA Lakers, 1, 7, 1963
Dee Brown, Bolles/JU, Boston Celtics, 1, 19, 1990
Grayson Allen, Providence, Utah Jazz, 1, 21, 2018
Udoka Azubuike, Potter’s House, Utah Jazz, 1, 27, 2020
Truck Robinson, Raines, Washington Bullets, 2, 22, 1974
James Collins, Jackson, LA Clippers, 2, 36, 1997
Norris Coleman, Paxon, LA Clippers, 2, 38, 1988
Otis Smith, Forrest/JU, Denver Nuggets, 2, 41, 1986
Lajae Jones, Fletcher, Golden State Warriors, 2, 54, 2026
* Was selected in fourth round of 1962 draft by Boston but did not sign