The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE NBA will return to an in-person format for its 2021 Draft Combine as Kai Jones sets to make the transition to the league.

According to the Athletic, the 2021 NBA Draft Combine is scheduled to take place in person June 21-27 at Wintrust Arena and Marriott Marquis in Chicago, Illinois.

The combine will include “team interview sessions, five-on-five games, shooting drills, measurements, strength and agility testing, halfcourt drills and medicals.”

The 2020 NBA Combine was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and teams resorted to virtual combines.

The NBA Draft is scheduled for July 29 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and will be televised nationally by ESPN.

Jones, the former Texas Longhorn, declared for the Draft following his team’s elimination from the NCAA tournament and recently signed with Klutch Sports Group ahead of the Draft.

In his sophomore season, the 6’11” Jones averaged 8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He shot 57 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range. His standout season was recognised by the Big 12. He was named the conference’s Sixth Man of the Year and became the first Texas Longhorns player in programme history to earn the award.

Jones was tied for second on the team in blocks (19), tied for third in rebounding (4.8 rebounds per game), fourth in steals (22), and sixth in scoring (8.5 points per game) while averaging 22.7 minutes per game. He has hit 56.5-percent from the field (70-124), including a 36.7-percent mark (11-30) from three-point range.