It’s believed Marcel Jones, who has played for New Zealand’s Cantebury Rams the past two years, has been signed by Melbourne United.
Jones was dominant this weekend in the New Zealand NBL’s Final Four where he was named Most Outstanding Forward as well as Kiwi MVP of the League.
Jones had a stellar season for the Rams averaging 23.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per game which included a 33 point, 12 rebound effort in a 95–85 win over Jarrod Kenny’s Nelson Giants.
Jones, who was born in Los Angeles, has played in New Zealand since 2009 and is now a naturalized Kiwi. Since graduating from Oregon State University he has also made the most of his frequent flyer points also playing basketball in Germany, Finland, Hungary, England, Syria, Bosnia, Romania, Italy, Turkey and Kosovo.
Perhaps the only thing more impressive than his basketball resume is his profile on IMDB. A talented thespian whose father is an actor has appeared in such movies as The Princess Diaries, Beautiful and Big Momma’s House, as well as television shows like Even Stevens, Smart Guy and One on One.
Not only does he have a potent offensive game, but he’s also rubbed elbows with stars like Daniel Stern, Mandy Moore and Tahj Mowry.
With the Melbourne United roster loaded with talent, Jones will likely provide some spark off the bench initially. The 6’8″ big man will bring a strong mid-range scoring ability which will pair well with Tai Wesley and hopefully stretch forward/centre David Andersen whom the team has been courting for months.
Marcel Jones College Highlights
Jones’ signing will leave United with 1 remaining roster spot. This confirms the belief United will choose to head into the NBL season with only 1-2 contracted import players, saving a third import spot to replace any injured or low performing local players with an import mid-season.
Jones will join former New Zealand Breakers Tai Wesley and Cedric Jackson at the club.
To see Melbourne United’s current roster, as well as all other player signings visit our NBL Free Agent Tracker
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
