Colby Jones: Powerful Rise from Xavier to Pro Basketball

Introduction

Colby Jones is an American professional basketball player known for his size, passing ability and dependable two-way game. He first gained national attention at Xavier University before entering the NBA through the 2023 draft.

His journey has included important roles with Xavier, the Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons and several NBA G League teams. Each stage has helped him grow into a more complete guard.

Colby Jones currently appears on the Memphis Hustle roster in the NBA G League.

Quick Bio

Field	Details
Full Name	Colby Everette Jones
Known As	Colby Jones
Date of Birth	May 28, 2002
Age	24 years old, as of June 2026
Birthplace	Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Nationality	American
Profession	Professional basketball player
Position	Guard / Wing
Height	6 feet 6 inches
Weight	207 pounds
Shooting Hand	Right
High School	Mountain Brook High School
College	Xavier University
College Major	Entrepreneurial Studies
NBA Draft	2023, Round 2, Pick 34
Current Listing	Memphis Hustle
Jersey Number	00

Why Colby Jones Is Famous

Colby Jones is famous for his successful college career at Xavier and his selection in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft. His ability to score, rebound, pass and defend made him one of Xavier’s most valuable players.

He was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2022 National Invitation Tournament. Jones scored 21 points in the championship game as Xavier defeated Texas A&M.

His route from college basketball to the professional game reflects the wider development path followed by talented American athletes such as Sophia Wilson, who also moved from a major college programme into elite professional sport.

Jones later gained more attention with the Washington Wizards, where increased playing time allowed him to show his scoring and playmaking ability at NBA level.

Early Life and Family Background

Colby Everette Jones was born on May 28, 2002, in Birmingham, Alabama. Basketball became an important part of his life at a young age.

His parents are Lesley Bryant and Chad Jones. His father played college basketball at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, giving Colby an early family connection to the sport.

He has four publicly listed siblings: Marcus, Cairon, Trent and Christian. Cairon, also known as C.J. Jones, played college basketball before moving into the professional game.

Jones has credited his family with supporting his development. His mother worked long hours as a nurse but continued attending his school and AAU basketball games.

He also played football when he was younger. However, a hip-flexor injury encouraged him to give more attention to basketball.

School Career and Early Basketball Development

Jones first attended Pinson Valley High School in Alabama. As a sophomore, he averaged 23.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.

He later transferred to Mountain Brook High School before his junior year. The move gave him the chance to compete in a successful programme under coach Bucky McMillan.

Jones helped Mountain Brook win the Alabama Class 7A state championship in 2019. His performances showed that he could contribute as a scorer, rebounder and creator.

During his senior season, he averaged 25.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.5 steals per game. He also shot 59.2% from the field and 48.8% from three-point range.

These numbers earned him the 2020 Alabama Class 7A Player of the Year award. He was also named to the Super All-State team and received several regional honours.

Like successful athletes such as Sean Vendy, Jones developed through regular training, strong coaching and a willingness to improve different parts of his game.

Education at Xavier University

Jones joined Xavier University in 2020 as a four-star basketball recruit. He studied entrepreneurial studies while representing the Xavier Musketeers.

His decision was influenced by both basketball and education. He wanted a respected academic institution and a coaching staff he could trust.

The official Xavier University player record confirms his family background, academic major, high-school achievements and college performances.

There is no reliable public confirmation that he completed his degree before entering the NBA Draft. Therefore, he should be described as having studied at Xavier rather than being listed as a confirmed graduate.

Freshman Season at Xavier

Jones missed Xavier’s opening five games because of COVID-19 contact tracing. Once available, he quickly became a regular part of the team.

He averaged 7.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals during his freshman season. He appeared in 15 games and started 11.

One of his biggest early moments came against Providence in January 2021. He made a game-winning three-pointer with only 0.1 seconds remaining.

Jones earned two Big East Freshman of the Week awards. He was also selected for the Big East All-Freshman Team.

NIT Championship Breakthrough

His sophomore season became an important turning point. Jones averaged 11.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Xavier entered the 2022 National Invitation Tournament and produced a strong run to the championship. Jones became one of the team’s leading performers.

He averaged 14.8 points and six rebounds across Xavier’s five tournament victories. In the final against Texas A&M, he scored a career-high 21 points.

Xavier won the title, while Jones received the NIT Most Outstanding Player award. It remains one of the most important achievements of his career.

His ability to deliver during a demanding tournament showed the same type of determination found in memorable underdog stories such as Vince Papale.

Final Xavier Season

Jones entered his junior season as one of Xavier’s most experienced players. His role grew as both a scorer and a playmaker.

He averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists across 36 games during the 2022–23 season. He shot 50.9% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range.

His career-high college performance came against Providence, where he scored 29 points. He also became the 59th player to enter Xavier’s 1,000-point club.

Jones helped the Musketeers reach the Sweet 16 of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Xavier also reached the Big East Tournament championship game.

His season brought several individual honours, including All-Big East Second Team, NABC All-District Second Team and All-Big East Tournament Team selection.

NBA Draft and Sacramento Kings

Jones entered the 2023 NBA Draft after three seasons at Xavier. The Charlotte Hornets selected him with the 34th overall pick.

His draft rights moved through the Boston Celtics before being traded to the Sacramento Kings. He officially began his NBA career with Sacramento.

Jones made his regular-season debut on October 25, 2023. During his rookie campaign, he appeared in 30 games while also receiving development time with the Stockton Kings.

His limited NBA minutes required patience. Instead of serving as a primary scorer, he was asked to defend, move the ball and provide energy when entering games.

Understanding the business side of professional basketball is also important for young players. Figures such as Jerry Reinsdorf show how team ownership and management decisions can shape NBA careers.

Washington Wizards Opportunity

Sacramento traded Jones to the Washington Wizards in February 2025 as part of a multi-team deal.

The move gave him his biggest NBA opportunity. He appeared in 15 games for Washington and averaged 8.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

He played around 25.7 minutes per game and shot 46.6% from the field. These numbers were a clear improvement compared with his smaller Sacramento role.

On March 19, 2025, he scored an NBA career-high 24 points against the Utah Jazz. He made four three-pointers and added four rebounds.

The performance showed what he could offer when given regular minutes. His size allowed him to defend wing players, while his passing helped Washington move the ball.

Oklahoma City and Detroit Period

The Washington Wizards traded Jones to the Oklahoma City Thunder in June 2025. He did not remain with Oklahoma City for the following season.

The Detroit Pistons signed him to a two-way contract in July 2025. This type of deal allowed him to spend time with both Detroit and its G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise.

An ankle problem affected part of his preseason preparation. He later returned and made a regular-season appearance for Detroit against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jones recorded two points, four rebounds and two assists in seven minutes. Detroit later moved on from him during the season.

The physical and mental demands of professional sport require the same persistence shown by athletes such as Cindy Sember, whose career also demonstrates the importance of responding positively to setbacks.

Memphis Hustle and Current Status

The Memphis Hustle acquired Jones’s NBA G League rights from the Motor City Cruise on December 24, 2025.

Memphis sent a 2026 G League first-round pick to Motor City in the transaction. The move placed Jones with the G League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies.

His official NBA G League profile lists him as a Memphis Hustle guard wearing No. 00.

During the 2025–26 regular season, he averaged 13.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. His production showed that he remained a useful scorer and secondary playmaker.

In Memphis’s final game of the season on March 29, 2026, Jones recorded 15 points, five rebounds and six assists in a 120–118 victory over the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

As of June 2026, his official profile continues to associate him with the Memphis Hustle. However, future contracts and roster decisions can change during the basketball offseason.

Playing Style and Strengths

Jones is a versatile guard who can play with or without the ball. His 6-foot-6 frame gives him useful size against both guards and smaller forwards.

He is comfortable handling the ball in transition and can create simple scoring opportunities for teammates. At Xavier, he regularly contributed assists while also producing points and rebounds.

His defensive value comes from his length, awareness and active hands. He can pressure ball handlers, challenge passing lanes and switch between different assignments.

Jones is not limited to one specialist role. He can work as a secondary playmaker, attack the basket, shoot open three-pointers and help with rebounding.

Consistency from long range remains an important area for his professional growth. Improving his shooting efficiency could help him earn a more secure NBA role.

Career Achievements

• Alabama Class 7A state champion in 2019
• EYBL Breakout Player of the Year in 2019
• Alabama Class 7A Player of the Year in 2020
• Big East All-Freshman Team selection in 2021
• NIT champion with Xavier in 2022
• NIT Most Outstanding Player in 2022
• All-Big East Second Team in 2023
• NABC All-District Second Team in 2023
• Xavier 1,000-point club member
• Selected 34th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft
• NBA career-high 24 points against Utah in 2025

Personality and Public Image

Jones has described himself as humble, caring, shy and playful. His public comments show that family and personal character are important to him.

He has also spoken about faith and keeping God first. However, he has not publicly confirmed a specific religious denomination.

Coaches have valued his willingness to perform different roles. He can score when needed but is also comfortable helping teammates through passing, defence and rebounding.

There are no widely reported major controversies connected with his professional career. His public image is mainly that of a quiet, hardworking player continuing to develop.

Interesting Facts

Jones played football before concentrating fully on basketball.

He played the saxophone from sixth grade through part of high school.

His father and older brother both played college basketball.

He helped Xavier win the school’s first NIT championship.

He became the 59th member of Xavier’s 1,000-point club.

Although Charlotte selected him, he began his NBA career with Sacramento because his draft rights were traded.

Conclusion

Colby Jones has built his career through versatility, patience and steady development. His journey began in Alabama, continued through three productive seasons at Xavier and eventually led to selection in the NBA Draft.

His NIT championship, NBA career-high performance and productive G League appearances show that he can contribute in several areas. He has already experienced trades, changing roles and competition for roster places.

As of June 2026, he remains listed with the Memphis Hustle. His next opportunity will depend on continued development, consistent shooting and his ability to turn G League production into another NBA chance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Colby Jones?

He is an American professional basketball guard who played at Xavier and was selected in the 2023 NBA Draft.

What is his full name?

His full name is Colby Everette Jones.

How old is he?

He is 24 years old as of June 2026.

Where was he born?

He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, United States.

Which college did he attend?

He attended Xavier University and played for the Xavier Musketeers.

What was his NBA Draft position?

Charlotte selected him with the 34th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft.

What is his current team?

His official NBA G League profile lists him with the Memphis Hustle as of June 2026.

What position does he play?

He plays as a guard and can also cover wing positions.

What is his biggest college achievement?

He helped Xavier win the 2022 NIT championship and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Has he played in the NBA?

Yes, he has appeared for the Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons.