Arnez Jones Signs with the Roadrunners

Arnez Jones of North Lawndale College Prep in Chicago, Illinois, has signed his NJCAA Letter of Intent and will continue his education and basketball career this fall at SMC.  

North Lawndale Head Coach Stephen Thorpe said of Jones, "Arnez Jones is a naturally gifted basketball player who made an immediate impact at the varsity level as a freshman and has developed into one of the most complete players in the state. Offensively, Arnez is a versatile scorer who can score at all three levels. He is a consistent three-point shooter, attacks the basket with either hand, finishes above the rim, scores in the post, and is a relentless rebounder. Despite facing double teams on a nightly basis, he averaged 19.5 points and 13 rebounds per game while surpassing the 1,000-point milestone in his high school career."

Thorpe continued, "Defensively, Arnez can guard every position on the floor. His athleticism made him our primary rim protector, averaging more than three blocks per game. He earned All-City honors while finishing as the second-leading scorer in one of the toughest conferences in the state. Beyond his talent, Arnez is the type of player every coach wants on their team. His passion, competitive drive, and work ethic give me no doubt he will be a tremendous asset to the SMC basketball program."

SMC Head Coach Rodell Davis added, "We are excited to welcome Arnez to the Roadrunner family! Arnez is a tough, talented young man who has put up impressive numbers throughout his entire high school career. He is a true three-level scorer with the ability to take over a game while also creating opportunities for his teammates. His versatility allows him to play any position on the floor, making him a perfect fit for our system. An elite athlete with the ability to defend all five positions, Arnez brings the length, toughness, and competitiveness that will make him a disruptive force on the defensive end. We're excited to see Arnez continue his development and can't wait to watch him compete in the Roadrunner uniform."

Jones joins Brad Blackman and Tyshaun McPherson, also of Chicago; Joseph Jones of Crete, Illinois; Keithan Gilmore of West Bloomfield; Brayden Favors of Niles; Tyrese Moody and Brieland Watkins of Grand Rapids and Kenaz Jackson, Jr. and Myair Thompson, both of Kankakee, Illinois, as new players on the 2026-2027 SMC Men's Basketball squad.

The season officially begins on October 1, and the Roadrunners' home opener will be Friday, October 30, vs. Richard J. Daley College in Day 1 of the 2026 Roadrunner Classic.