Although his professional career got off to an inauspicious start, Chester native and Archbishop Carroll graduate Derrick Jones Jr. has emerged as a quality role player for the NBA’s Miami Heat, writes Sam DiGiovanni for Hoops Habit.

Jones played just one season at UNLV before going undrafted in 2016. He eventually signed with the Phoenix Suns and spent time in and out of the G League, the NBA’s minor league, during the 2016-17 season. The next year, he played just six games for the Suns before being waived and signed by the Heat.

This year, the 22-year-old Jones has appeared in 59 games for Miami and appears to be a part of the franchise’s rebuilding efforts. He averages 6.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in 19 minutes per game.

Jones has been credited by many with the NBA Dunk of the Year when he slammed home an alley-oop in a game against the Raptors in early March. The video of the play can be viewed above.

Click here to read more about Derrick Jones Jr. from Hoops Habit.

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