Graduated Ball State center Lonnie Jones now has an opportunity to extend his basketball career in Indiana. Jones was selected by the Gary Steelheads in the third round of the Continental Basketball Association's annual draft. Jones is a graduate of Lew Wallace High School in Gary.
The Steelheads also drafted Indiana University guard Dane Fife with the second-overall selection and Alabama's Rod Grizzard in the fifth round.
"I was very pleased," Steelheads coach Duane Ticknor told the Times of Northwest Indiana. "I think we met our needs."
Although he was drafted by the team, it is not certain whether or not Jones will end up in the CBA. Jones has been invited to participate in an NBA training camp this fall.
Ticknor said he is pleased to have had the opportunity to draft a couple of players with Indiana ties.
"If there are quality players available from the area, it's important that you at least consider them," Ticknor said. "They're the kind of guys we'd like to have, but more importantly, they're the kind of people you like to have in your organization."
Jones averaged 7.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocked shots per game as a senior.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
