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NCAA Tournament Preview: Who the Orlando Magic should be watching

By John Black

BLACKSBURG, VA - DECEMBER 05: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks to pass in the second half during the game against the VMI Keydets at Cassell Coliseum on December 5, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - DECEMBER 05: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks to pass in the second half during the game against the VMI Keydets at Cassell Coliseum on December 5, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images) /
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Tre Jones, Duke Blue Devils
SYRACUSE, NY – FEBRUARY 23: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots the ball over Oshae Brissett #11 of the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Carrier Dome on February 23, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. Duke defeated Syracuse 75-65. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /

Tre Jones, PG, Duke

vs. North Dakota State, Friday 7:10 p.m. (CBS)

No. 24 in The Step Back’s Mock Draft

Tre Jones’ play style is very similar to that of Coby White. Both play aggressive on- and off-ball defense with a facilitating mindset on offense.

Jones’ biggest problem this season has simply been the team he plays on. He has been overshadowed by the Duke Blue Devil’s big three in Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish. While all three of his freshmen teammates have been projected to go in the top five all season long, Jones’ projections typically range from late first round to early second.

Drafting him that high in the draft might be a bit of a stretch for the Orlando Magic. They are currently in line to have the 47th pick (from the Brooklyn Nets), that might be a bit too long to wait for him. Orlando would have had a high second-round draft pick, but they traded it for Markelle Fultz.

Jones’ game should translate well to the NBA level, despite only being a freshman.

He has been able to prove his value and importance to the success of Duke during the season. The Blue Devils simply do not operate as well without Jones on the court.

He seems comfortable controlling the offense without putting up the shots, which would be important on an Orlando Magic team with Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Mohamed Bamba and potentially Nikola Vucevic and Terrence Ross.