After departing Buffalo as a sophomore in April 2023, former UB basketball star Curtis Jones has once again emerged as a key player—this time in the Big 12 Conference, helping lead the Iowa State basketball team to a No. 3 national ranking.
The six-foot-four guard from Mineappolis joined the Bulls after spending a single season at Indian Hills, where he averaged 12 points, six rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. His debut season of Division I play at Buffalo saw him make 28 appearances off the bench, acting as a rotation player behind the team’s first choice guards.
His next season at UB would define his time there.
Jones experienced a sudden rise in the 2022-2023 season, where he would cement himself as a crucial player. He started in 31 games and led the Bulls that season in total points (466), average points (15.0) and total minutes (971). His impressive performances throughout that year earned him All-MAC Third Team honors.
His standout season would earn him attention from major programs. Jones would eventually transfer to the Iowa State Cyclones, where he has played since. Now a senior, Jones has once again established himself as a key contributor to his team; appearing in all 37 games in his debut season and now this season earning him a national reputation as a versatile playmaker.
The impact Jones has had on the Cyclones’ program is undeniable, emerging as an offensive leader averaging 17.3 points per game, as well as 4.7 rebounds and a field goal average of 44.3%. His contribution to the team not only earned himself a spot on the cover of the second digital edition of SLAMU alongside teammate Keshon Gilbert, but also played a pivotal role in securing a 12-game winning streak from late November to mid-January; giving Iowa State a high national ranking.
The former UB product has proven that his initial journey from rotation player to star was no fluke. As his collegiate career continues, Jones remains a driving force for the Cyclones and will look to continue his run of form as the season progresses.
Rodrigo Feijão is the senior sports editor and can be reached at rodrigo.feijao@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
