Transfer PG DeVante’ Jones commits to Michigan over Texas, others

Juwan Howard just received a huge addition to the roster for the upcoming season, as transfer point guard DeVante’ Jones committed to the Michigan Wolverines over Texas, Texas Tech and Memphis.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound graduate transfer from Coastal Carolina was the Sun Belt Player of the Year this past season. He averaged 19.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.8 steals, while also shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc.

Before his decision was made public, Jones told 247Sports’ Dushawn London what led him to his future destination.

“I made my choice based on where I can fit the system. I watched film on all the teams and there is a particular team that stood out for my style of play and I can’t unsee it,” Jones said. “I feel like the only way it wouldn’t work if it was my fault. I couldn’t blame anyone, it would be my fault. Plus the fan base stood out. Coastal had a major fan base and it doubled them and they were amazing. Just the collective effort from the coaches, the fan base and just the whole university.”

Howard and his assistant coaches spoke with Jones throughout the process, but the Wolverines also received some help from a guy who is used to dishing out assists — former point guard Mike Smith.

“I spoke with their guard/leader Mike Smith who’s leaving and he said great things. He was in the same situation as me coming in from a smaller school and he made a big impact,” Jones told 247Sports.

Jones will step in to replace Smith, but will also have some competition from incoming true freshman Frankie Collins at the point guard position. Returning senior Eli Brooks also had some time at the 1 this past year in relief of Smith, so expect to see him there at times once again as well.

Along with Jones and Collins, Michigan is bringing in forward Caleb Houstan, forward/center Moussa Diabate, guard/forward Isaiah Barnes, guard Kobe Bufkin and forward Will Tschetter from the No. 1 ranked class in the country, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.