Florida State basketball is building something special for the future, and the Seminoles just added another key piece. Head coach Luke Loucks announced the signing of guard JD Jones to the program's 2026 recruiting class, a group already ranked among the nation's elite.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, Jones brings a versatile and mature game to Tallahassee. A four-year starter at Phoenix County Day School, he finished his high school career with an impressive 1,762 points, the second-highest total in school history. His well-rounded development is by design; his father, three-time NBA champion and current NBA executive James Jones, intentionally chose a smaller school to ensure his son experienced every position on the court and focused on holistic growth.

"I think in order to be a great player, you have to be a great person," James Jones said, emphasizing a philosophy that values character as much as talent. "It’s not the three hours on the floor that defines you. It’s the 21 hours off the court." This foundational mindset is exactly what Coach Loucks is seeking to embed in the Seminole culture.

Coach Loucks praised Jones as the ideal fit for the program, stating, "He’s a high-character individual who brings toughness, consistency, and a team-first mindset every single day. What stands out most is how he impacts the culture – he competes, he leads by example, and he elevates the people around him."

Jones joins a formidable 2026 class for FSU, currently ranked No. 9 nationally and No. 2 in the ACC. He becomes the sixth member of this standout group, which includes four-star talents Brandon Bass Jr., Martay Barnes, Jasen Lopez, Collin Paul, and Marcis Ponder. While he may be unranked by major recruiting services, his pedigree, production, and proven mindset suggest he's a hidden gem ready to contribute to the Seminoles' ascent.