Aug. 11, 2010

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Former Oakland University men's basketball standout Johnathon Jones will continue his career in the professional ranks, signing a contract to play for the MBK Rieker Komarno in Slovakia, announced by head coach Greg Kampe on Wednesday. Jones, a native of Okemos, Mich., finished his career as the all-time leader in The Summit League with 819 assists.

"The coaching staff is very happy that JJ (Johnathon Jones) is getting this great opportunity to play professional basketball overseas," said Kampe. "He had a tremendous career here at Oakland and we expect him to continue that as he moves to the next level."

The 5 foot, 11 inch, point guard matched the all-time record by leading the Golden Grizzlies to 85 wins over his four-year career. Jones became the first-ever OU player to surpass 100 assists in four straight seasons and finished third in the nation with 6.4 assists per game this past year. He led the NCAA during his junior campaign with a Summit League record 290 assists.

"It was a great feeling to know that I would be getting paid for doing something I loved," said Jones. "It's another step in my career that i am proud of."

He ended his career as a two-time Mid-Major All-America selection and garnered All-Summit League first team honors in his final two seasons. Jones started in every single game he played in at Oakland, finishing with a program-record 135. He ranked 10th in The Summit League record book in free throw percentage (.817) and 11th in steals (198).

"My expectations are high," said Jones. "I'm very excited because this is my first time going to Europe, so I will soak up this experience."

Jones joins former IPFW Mastodons player Jaraun Burrows on the MBK Rieker Komarno team. The league only permits three non-European players per squad and competes two times a week, Wednesday and Saturday, beginning on Sept. 25th. Jones has already departed to begin preseason work outs.

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