Keeping up with the Joneses

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It is time to keep up with the Joneses in college basketball. These three players are vital to the success of their respective teams as potential All-Solid Gold candidates at season's end.

They have taken different directions as of late, though there is time to make a major impact over the last few months of the season.

Let's start out in Morgantown, West Virginia. Kevin Jones has been Mr. Consistency in leading the Big East in scoring and rebounding while averaging a double-double (just under 20 points and 12 boards per outing). He had a terrific game in leading the Mountaineers to a solid win over a hot Georgetown club. They won in Morgantown and Jones had 22 points and 16 rebounds off the glass. Truck Bryant also enjoyed a big performance as veteran leadership has made a difference for Bob Huggins' squad.

If I was voting today, I would give Kevin Jones the nod as Big East Player of the Year. I would pick him over Connecticut's Jeremy Lamb as the MVP of the conference thanks to his brilliant play.

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Douglas C. Pizac/US PresswireBaylor's Perry Jones III is continuing a run of success for the Bears' athletics program.

Talking about another Jones, let's head down to Waco. Baylor is one of three unbeatens left and one reason is the big man up front, 6-11 Perry Jones III. He has to be super and consistent if the Bears are going to be a top five team. He was hardly dominant at Texas Tech, scoring nine points while grabbing six boards in a win at Lubbock. Remember, earlier this season he sat out the first five games of the season due to an NCAA suspension. When he is on top of his game, he is capable of putting up huge numbers; just ask BYU as he scored 28 points, pulled down eight rebounds and hit 11-of-16 shots in a hard-fought win in Provo. That is a tough place to play, my friends.

Perry Jones III made a lot of noise when he decided to skip the draft and return to school. It has been quite a year for Baylor sports fans. The men's hoop team is still unbeaten. Brittney Griner has led the women's team to the number one ranking and an unblemished mark. The football team enjoyed the Heisman Trophy winner in Robert Griffin III and put up 67 points in a bowl win.

Now expectations are running wild as Scott Drew's team is a legitimate national championship contender. They are jumping with joy in Waco and Perry Jones III has to be sensational when the team takes on the likes of Kansas and Missouri in Big 12 play. Those are the games you have to win if you want to be among the crème de la crème. The multi-skilled Jones must be consistent for the Bears to get to the winner's circle.

The third Jones to look at right now is playing in Lexington. Terrence Jones has to be the man many thought would be All-Rolls Royce material at the start of the season. He showed flashes of his brilliance by putting up 20 points, hitting eight-of-nine from the floor in a win over South Carolina.

He has had very inconsistent performances in key situations this season. He had two points against rival Louisville in a win. Jones was held to four points and spent winning time on the pine as John Calipari sent a message in a loss to Indiana.

Jones must be the guy who showed his scoring ability and shooting touch against the Gamecocks. He has a lot of young teammates looking up to him and he must come through if the 'Cats are going to make a run at the national championship in New Orleans.

He also has to rebound as well. Jones must be that type of player in the rugged SEC. Keep an eye on him.

The name Jones will be very important for the rest of the 2012 season, baby!

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Dick Vitale

College Basketball analyst

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Dick Vitale, college basketball's top analyst and ambassador, joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season. His thorough knowledge of the game is brought forth in an enthusiastic, passionate style. Vitale also contributes columns to ESPN.com.