Sure, Franklin Jones missed playing basketball, but even more so he missed spending time with his friends and family in Niagara Falls.
So this past week, Jones decided it was time to move on and transfer from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Jones says he’s headed to Division II Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa., which is only a short drive from the Cataract City.
“The campus is real good and I like the smaller school size — plus it’s closer to home,” Jones said Thursday. “Mercyhurst’s a great school for me. My family will be able to see me play and I need that family support.”
Jones, a 7-footer, was redshirted this past season at UTEP and hasn’t played competitively in three seasons. He was out of high school eligibility after advancing to Glens Falls with the Wolverines in the 2003-04 season.
The following year, Jones enrolled at Mount Zion Academy (S.C.), but endured a tumultuous tenure and came back home to earn his high school diploma last June at NFHS.
Jones, who has four years of eligibility remaining, will be able to play next season because he’ll be transferring to the Division II level. NCAA rules require transfers to sit out a season if making a lateral move to another Division I institution.
The big man said he’s anxious to hit the floor with the Lakers.
“I decided I might as well go to school where I could come right in and play,” Jones said. “I’ve been sitting out for far too long. I think I’ll fit right in and I’m looking forward to going there.”
Jones said he’s continued his workouts and kept his grades in order to complete the transfer smoothly.
UTEP men’s basketball media contact Jeff Darby said the school had no official comment and would not release any news about transfers until the spring semester finished in early May.
Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.
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