LAS CRUCES, N.M. – New Mexico State senior guard Jemel Jones has been recognized for his outstanding performance this season, earning a spot on the All-Conference USA Second Team, Conference USA announced on Monday, March 9th. The recognition comes as the Aggies prepare for the CUSA Championships, marking a strong finish to the regular season for the Chicago, Illinois native.
Jones has emerged as a key offensive force for New Mexico State, consistently leading the team in scoring. Averaging 17.8 points per game, he’s tied for third in Conference USA, demonstrating his ability to consistently find the basket. His efficiency from the field – 44% 38% from beyond the arc – and his reliability at the free-throw line (83%, sixth in the conference) build him a multifaceted threat, according to NM State Sports.
Beyond scoring, Jones contributes significantly in other areas of the game. He averages 4.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, ranking second on the team in both categories. He also leads the Aggies with 1.3 steals per contest, tied for seventh in Conference USA, showcasing his defensive impact. His consistency has been remarkable, scoring in double figures in all but two games this season and leading NM State in scoring in 15 contests.
One of Jones’ most impressive performances came against Middle Tennessee, where he poured in a season-high 34 points, highlighting his scoring prowess. Throughout the season, he’s proven to be a reliable free-throw shooter, converting 126 of 151 attempts. His ability to consistently deliver on both ends of the court has solidified his position as one of the top guards in the conference.
All-CUSA Awards Announced
The announcement of Jones’s All-CUSA Second Team selection coincided with the release of the full list of Conference USA award winners. Zach Cleveland of Liberty was named Player of the Year, while Kashie Natt of Sam Houston earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. Mostapha El Moutaouakkil of Jax State was recognized as Newcomer of the Year, and Christian Bliss of Delaware took home Freshman of the Year. Ritchie McKay (Liberty) and Chris Mudge (Sam Houston) were jointly named Gene Bartow Co-Coaches of the Year.
Looking Ahead to the CUSA Championships
The 10th-seeded New Mexico State Aggies will face the 7th-seeded Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the first round of the Conference USA Championships on Tuesday, March 10th, at 7:00 p.m. MT. This matchup will be a key test for Jones and the Aggies as they aim to make a strong run in the tournament. The Aggies concluded the regular season with a 79-76 victory over Kennesaw State on March 7th, a game where Jones recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, as reported by FOX Sports and CBS Sports.
Fans can follow the Aggies throughout the season and during the CUSA Championships on NMStateSports.com, as well as on Facebook (NM State Men’s Basketball), Twitter (@NMStateMBB), and Instagram (@NMStateMBB).
As the Aggies prepare for their first-round matchup, Jemel Jones’s consistent performance and leadership will be crucial to their success. The CUSA Championships promise exciting basketball action, and New Mexico State will gaze to build on their regular-season momentum as they compete for the conference title.
Share your thoughts on Jemel Jones’s accomplishments and the Aggies’ chances in the CUSA Championships in the comments below.
