Cal State Bakersfield transfer guard Jemel Jones has been the spark off the bench for the Roadrunners this season.
The Chicago native has made an impact in his first Division I season at Cal State Bakersfield. Jones is the team’s leading scorer through four games this season, averaging 19.8 points per game.
The junior guard credits JUCO coach John Pigatti for part of his success at the D-I level, who he played under his first two seasons at South Suburban (Ill.) College.
“Coach [Pigatti] treated [JUCO] like Division I with the resources he had,” Jones said. “A lot of things don’t feel new to me because of the preparation he got me ready for.”
The guard also credits CSUB head coach Rod Barnes for assisting with the transition to the team. Explaining the coaching staff was one of the reasons he joined the program.
The Roadrunners are off to a good start to the season with a 3-1 record, with their only defeat coming against new ACC school California. In the loss, Jones had 22 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Coming off the bench, Jones knew he would play a big role with Bakersfield when transferring.
“I knew that the conversations that I had with the coaches I was an important piece [to the team],” Jones said. “I just put my head down and waved, just blessed for the opportunity.”
Jones said staying positive through adversity and complicated situations while being level-headed has helped him make an impact. He also has a strong desire to help Bakersfield win.
Jones and the Roadrunners will look to continue their hot start to the season during the Homewood Suite Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. The Roadrunners will play Florida Gulf Coast on Friday, FIU on Saturday and Northeastern on Sunday.
Cal State Bakersfield will begin the conference season in early December during Bold Week, traveling to UC Irvine and UC San Diego on Dec. 5 and Dec. 7, respectively.
