Greg Jones returns to AU after entering transfer portal

American University men’s basketball fans collectively breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced that sophomore forward Greg Jones would be returning to the program after a brief stint in the transfer portal. 

Jones averaged 10.3 points per game this season, making him the team’s third-leading scorer, behind only Matt Rogers and Elijah Stephens, who are both graduating. Jones is the only AU starter not graduating. 

On3 Sports first reported that Jones entered the portal on April 15 on X, only weeks after the Eagles won the Patriot League and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament. But the AU basketball team announced his return to American on Instagram on April 23. 

Jones, a key player for the Eagles and an emerging star in the Patriot League, made big improvements in his sophomore year — averaging 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1 assist, shooting an efficient 50.2 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from behind the arc. The third-leading scorer for the Patriot League Championship-winning Eagles last season also matched his offensive production with a nod to the Patriot League All-Defensive Team.

Jones said that the evolution of the college basketball landscape with name, image and likeness (NIL) payments to players is what initially made him curious to enter the portal.

“The way college basketball is like nowadays and how much money kids are making at other schools — and I wouldn’t say it’s life-changing money — but if I see guys sitting on the bench, not working as hard as me, making a certain dollar amount, that’s a lot. And if I’m not making anything somewhere, I’m going to be curious about that.”

Money wasn’t Jones’ main motivation for entering the portal, though. There were other factors he considered, like facilities, media exposure and a program’s ability to support him when he pursues professional basketball.

“It was definitely more of an exploratory thing, but it’s not all about the money,” Jones said. “I think I could play at a higher level and that could get me ready to play pro ball.” 

But before entering the portal, Jones had a sit down meeting with head coach Duane Simpkins about the possibility of returning to the team. 

“Before I even talked to him, I knew it was going to be a hard thing to bring up, but he made me feel comfortable about the decision,” Jones said. “I made sure I expressed to him that I still value everything here and it would still be an option for me to come back.”

Jones did not reveal what schools he received offers from, but said that his offers were from teams in conferences like the Big Ten, Big East, Atlantic 10, Sun Belt and the Big South. These offers were validating for Jones and a testament to his talent and the success he’s had so far in his career.

“Seeing how much attention I got from those schools, it was definitely a confidence booster. People know I can play at this high level. It’s a good thing, it gives me confidence,” Jones said. 

Despite garnering interest from numerous schools, Jones boiled his decision to stay down to four factors: his bonds and relationships at American, his defined playing role, the education he’s receiving at American and the proximity to his home. 

Jones said that the bonds and relationships he has made with his coaches, teammates and the University community are extremely valuable to him.

“It just didn’t feel right to leave at all,” Jones said. “I don’t want to leave my teammates, my friends and everybody that I know here. I feel like it’s just too valuable. You can’t put a money price on that.”

Beyond the close relationships with his teammates and coaches, Jones had the stability and a defined role with the Eagles, compared to the uncertainties of starting fresh at a new program. 

“A reason I wanted to stay was that there’s a lot of uncertainty at these places,” Jones said. “But here at AU, I know my role. I know what I can do. I know how valued I am, not just as a player, but my voice in the locker room. That was uncertain at other places and I got two, maybe three more years left and uncertainty is not something I feel like I need right now.”

Jones, who is studying business administration in the Kogod School of Business, greatly values an AU education and the support he’s received, especially from Kogod Dean David Marchick.

“I think it’s very rare to come across people that will look out for me like the people do here at AU and they happen to be in Kogod, specifically the dean,” Jones said. “I don’t know if I’ll find that somewhere else.” 

Only 11 miles away from campus sits Alexandria, Virginia — Jones’ hometown. Being close to home and having the support of his family and local community was another factor in his return.

As Jones enters his third year with the team, he also plans on stepping up as a leader. Jones said he will embrace that role and that it will be an exciting challenge for him.

“I need to fill the void of Lincoln [Ball], Rogers and Colin [Smalls] because they were our voices this year,” Jones said. “It’s another life skill that I say I need to have. Just being a vocal leader to younger guys.”

Jones expects to see big jumps and improvements from the freshman trio of Eric Michaels, Julen Iturbe and Wyatt Nausadis, both in playing time and production on the court. He said they will play key roles for the team next season, especially because they are all still young and extremely hard workers.

After withdrawing from the portal, Jones is hyper focused on winning the Patriot League for the second year in a row. Despite roster changes and losing key contributors, Jones is confident that the Eagles will prove any doubters wrong.

“I’m expecting two things. One: everyone is going to see that we have lost four starters and four very productive guys and we’re not going to be very good. And two: I’m expecting us to be very good, just because of our coaching staff, how they’re able to develop us. They’re just a really good coaching staff,” Jones said. “I think we will be contending again in March and be playing in March Madness again.” 

This article was edited by Jack Stashower, Penelope Jennings and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks and Olivia Citarella.

sports@theeagleonline.com