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Junior College Basketball • MensSEC Basketball • Mens
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Corinne Ellington
A Tale of Two Cities: Dontae’ Jones Booneville and Starkville Seasons
Before his national breakout at Mississippi State, Dontae’ Jones was a star in Booneville. At Northeast Mississippi Community College, he dominated junior college basketball, the kind of player you watch and just know is going to go pro. NEMCC later recognized him as one of their greatest athletes, and his #32 jersey was retired in his honor. When he left NEMCC for Mississippi State, he left as the Tigers’ all-time leading scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker.
His transition from Booneville to Starkville was somewhat obvious for a player of his stature. Originally overlooked by bigger schools, Jones carved his own path to the top once his stats made headlines. Jones arrived in Starkville for the 1995-96 season with the same sharp skill that had made him a fan favorite at Northeast. His coach, Richard Williams, liked to say that Dontae’ “never met a shot he didn’t like.”
From the moment he graced State’s court, Jones undeniably transformed Mississippi State basketball. During his one season, Jones averaged 14.7 points and 6.8 rebounds, leading the Bulldogs to their first SEC Tournament title in 1996 and all the way to the NCAA Final Four. He snagged a Regional MVP honor along the way. His 28-point, 11-rebound performance in the SEC championship win over top-ranked Kentucky endures as one of the program’s defining moments.
Following his unforgettable season in Starkville, Jones entered the 1996 NBA Draft and was quickly snatched up by the New York Knicks. His professional career took him around the world, and he later played for both the Boston Celtics and various international leagues . Post-career, he now mentors young players in his home city of Nashville, as much a symbol of success as he is a down-to-earth coach. Serving as the program director at Nashville Youth Basketball Association (NYBA), Jones “aims to give back to help others from the Nashville community reach the dreams that he has been blessed to realize.”
