Christian Jones shines in exhibition summer tour loss for UNLV

Instead of returning for one more year of eligibility with St. John’s, forward Christian Jones - who faced uncertain minutes with the influx of talent St. John’s will see this season - transferred to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, a squad that lost most of their team from last season after a pair of coaching changes.

In case you were wondering how Christian Jones is doing with the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, the Rebs are on a foreign tour in the Bahamas.

UNLV dropped their first game, but Jones came up big.

[Jones] was brought to UNLV as much for his veteran leadership as his skills on the court, but as he showed in the 80-79 loss to the University of Toronto at Sir Kendal Isaacs Gym, Jones is quite capable of leading by example as well.

Jones, a graduate transfer from St. John’s, finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds.

UNLV might need the 6-foot-7-inch forward to carry the load on a more regular basis, similar to what he did against Toronto. Kris Clyburn had nine rebounds, but other than he and Jones, the other Rebels combined for 12.

Looking like another long season for Jones, but one where he will be able to take the energy he brought to St. John’s and play a regular role for one more year.

Jones shot 7 for 15 in that game and ²⁄₄ from the free throw line, with six offensive rebounds and nine defensive boards in 36 minutes of time.