Kam Jones arrived at Marquette out of Memphis, Tennessee, in 2021 after being recruited by former Golden Eagles head coach Steve Wojciechowski. Current head coach Shaka Smart was hired that same season, and after four years, 2,044 points, and a unanimous All-Big-East First Team selection in 2025, the crafty guard has been drafted into the NBA.
After a solid showing at the draft combine, Jones was projected to be selected in the early-to-middle second round of this year’s draft. Scouting as a 6’5” crafty-scoring combo guard that can create his own shots and handle the basketball, Jones was drafted 38th overall by the Indiana Pacers via a trade with the San Antonio Spurs. Jones heard his name called from the green room at Barclays Center, alongside his parents and former head coach Shaka Smart.
Jones joins the defending Eastern Conference Champions at a ripe 23 years of age and is coming off of a fantastic collegiate career that put him #2 all-time on the Marquette scoring list behind only Markus Howard. Although his 3-pt % dipped in his senior season to 31.1% from 40.6% in his junior year, those former numbers, in theory, should re-find themselves under NBA development. Jones can also find ways to score often around the basket, despite elite athleticism.
With Tyrese Haliburton out for all of next season, Jones could step in to handle some of the shot creation and playmaking responsibilities. Time will tell how Indiana approaches their new situation, especially their rotation of guards, but Jones will most likely be given a chance to see the floor in 2025-26 to supplement the Pacers backcourt.
Kam Jones is the fourth Marquette player to be drafted to the NBA in the last four seasons. On the ESPN broadcast, Jones expressed his eagerness to join the Pacers and begin his NBA career by stating, “I’m just ready to get to Naptown and get to work.”
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