MUNCIE – Standing on the sidelines at Central’s boys basketball practice Monday evening, one didn’t have to strain much to find the new face.
Andre Jones went up and slammed down an ally-oop. Minutes later he tossed down another, and on the next possession, turned a turnover into a breakaway windmill slam.
See, not hard to find.
That’s the same Andre Jones formerly of Indianapolis Scecina, presently the fifth-ranked team in the Class 2A state poll. The reason the well-built, athletic 6-foot-5 junior forward was in Central’s gym Monday was because it was his first day at the school after enrolling this semester.
The week before, rumors swirled that Jones was transferring, so Monday proved he was there in the flesh. His athletic eligibility situation remains fluid, and as such, people around the program were reticent to talk much about him.
“I don’t have, right now, anything to say,” Bearcats coach Jeff Holloway said. “We don’t know. He just came this morning.
“Until we hear back from his school and the IHSAA, we’re up in the air.”
The school let him practice as he is enrolled, but he’ll still have to come through the oft-unpredictable transfer process.
Sometimes the transfers go smoothly and players are quickly eligible. Other times they drag on with formal hearings, especially when the former school makes the move to block it.
Jones’ father, Anthony, lives in Muncie and coached the Southside girls basketball team for several seasons. Anthony Jones was present at Central’s practice Monday as well.
If Andre Jones were to become eligible, he would add another strong piece to an already talented Central squad at a crucial spot. This year’s Bearcats have been steadily developing and shown flashes of potential.
They’re deep in the backcourt, with an array strong guards, and massive center Donald Allen showed signs of being a high-impact player. But the rest of their forwards are a little smaller, more strong and workmanlike than dynamic scorers. That’s where Andre Jones could help.
Indiana Basketball Source reported he had not played for the Crusaders since Dec. 19, when they were 4-2. Central is 5-4, with three consecutive wins including an upset of Fishers.