University of Memphis Athletics
Manaya Jones Joins Women’s Basketball Squad
May 10, 2017 | Women's Basketball
Jones transfers from Old Dominion to return home to Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Head Coach Melissa McFerrin and the University of Memphis women's basketball team announces the addition of Old Dominion transfer Manaya Jones, who is returning to her hometown of Memphis, Wednesday afternoon. Jones, a center, will have three years of eligibility with the Blue and Gray after likely sitting out one year in 2017-18.
"Bringing Manaya Jones home to Memphis is a good thing for our program's future," said McFerrin. "Manaya comes from a basketball family and brings with her a great understanding of the game and physical assets that round out our roster. As notable as her basketball ability, is Manaya's love of the Memphis Basketball tradition. We are confident she will be an ambassador for the city and University of Memphis during her time here."
A native of Memphis, Jones saw action in 28 games for a 17-14 Old Dominion squad. She earned 12 starts as a freshman and averaged 3.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. She finished the season shooting 46.5 percent from the floor and was third on her team in blocks.
Prior to one season at ODU, Jones attended high school at Raleigh Egypt High School where she was a four-year member of the girl's basketball team. Jones, a three-star prospect by ESPNW, graduated ranked in the Top 100 by ESPNW and was 16th overall at her position. As a junior, she was named to the Class AA All-State team after averaging 24.0 ppg, 16.0 rpg, and 5.0 bpg.
Jones also earned All-District and All-Region MVP honors in high school. She finished her career as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder at Raleigh Egypt High School and had 15 double-doubles to lead her team.
She comes from a basketball family as her father and high school coach, Anthony Jones, was drafted by the Lakers in 1991. Jones is also successful in the classroom as she was a member of the Honor Roll at Raleigh Egypt High.
"Having added five new faces to the program, we are eager to start the summer transition period," added McFerrin. "Summer classes and summer workouts are great resources for us to teach and reinforce program standards. It is also a tremendous asset for our returning players as they hone their leadership and communication skills. The 2017-18 season is officially underway."
"Bringing Manaya Jones home to Memphis is a good thing for our program's future," said McFerrin. "Manaya comes from a basketball family and brings with her a great understanding of the game and physical assets that round out our roster. As notable as her basketball ability, is Manaya's love of the Memphis Basketball tradition. We are confident she will be an ambassador for the city and University of Memphis during her time here."
A native of Memphis, Jones saw action in 28 games for a 17-14 Old Dominion squad. She earned 12 starts as a freshman and averaged 3.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. She finished the season shooting 46.5 percent from the floor and was third on her team in blocks.
Prior to one season at ODU, Jones attended high school at Raleigh Egypt High School where she was a four-year member of the girl's basketball team. Jones, a three-star prospect by ESPNW, graduated ranked in the Top 100 by ESPNW and was 16th overall at her position. As a junior, she was named to the Class AA All-State team after averaging 24.0 ppg, 16.0 rpg, and 5.0 bpg.
Jones also earned All-District and All-Region MVP honors in high school. She finished her career as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder at Raleigh Egypt High School and had 15 double-doubles to lead her team.
She comes from a basketball family as her father and high school coach, Anthony Jones, was drafted by the Lakers in 1991. Jones is also successful in the classroom as she was a member of the Honor Roll at Raleigh Egypt High.
"Having added five new faces to the program, we are eager to start the summer transition period," added McFerrin. "Summer classes and summer workouts are great resources for us to teach and reinforce program standards. It is also a tremendous asset for our returning players as they hone their leadership and communication skills. The 2017-18 season is officially underway."
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