Feature Athlete: Caitlyn Jones
- Position: 5’10 Combo Guard
- From: Perth, Western Australia
- Home Club: Warwick Senators
- Class: 2019
You know those players who you can’t look away from because they might do something spectacular at any moment? That’s Caitlyn Jones.
With an ankle-breaking crossover and a dribble game envied by even the most gifted ball handlers, you can’t help but watch her every move when she has the ball. It’s no wonder the University of Idaho snapped up Caitlyn, one of Australia’s brightest young guards, to join their Vandals squad in the fall semester of 2019.
Caitlyn is a weapon on the offensive end, with a highly rounded pull-up game and the ability to get into the paint with ease. She is a flat-out scorer who can accumulate points quickly, often sending her defender in the wrong direction. She is ready-made for the US game.
A fierce competitor with a killer instinct to win, Caitlyn is the kind of player you want on your team. Off the court, she is a down-to-earth person who always has time for others, a rare quality in today’s society. We are proud to have Caitlyn as our first-ever female feature athlete. Before heading stateside, she was kind enough to spend some time talking to us.
Aussie Prospects Chat with Caitlyn Jones
Aussie Prospects: Shortly you will be attending the University of Idaho on a full athletic scholarship. Can you share a little about how you ended up signing with the Vandals and what other schools were recruiting you?
Caitlyn: After U16 Nationals in Kilsyth in 2016, I was approached by a few coaches and a scout for Premier Basketball Report, a recruiting organization based in the States. They held their first international recruiting camp in Melbourne later that year, which kick-started my recruiting process. I had quite a few schools show interest in me and they were keen to see me play in person, so I went on to play AAU Basketball in the US with AUSA Hoops in Dallas, TX, and Kansas City, MO. I produced a lot of highlight films on YouTube leading up to the tour, which caught the eye of a few schools, including Idaho. I built a great relationship with them even before they saw me play live. My coaches were at both tournaments in Texas and Missouri, and Coach Newlee offered me a spot just as I was walking onto the plane to leave the US! I’m glad I picked up that call! I eventually took an official visit to Idaho in September and loved it. I committed and then signed my NLI (National Letter of Intent) in November. My top 7 schools were University of Idaho, Boston University, Wichita State University, UTRGV, West Texas A&M, San Jose State, and Idaho State.
Aussie Prospects: Thinking back on the recruiting process, what did you find the most difficult part?
Caitlyn: The most difficult part of the recruiting process is navigating your perfect fit. A lot of people get caught up in the size of the school, its location, etc., which are important factors. However, I think it’s important to have an open mindset and address each school that shows interest in you in the same way, as that will attract what is suited to you and where you fit best.
Aussie Prospects: To play NCAA Division 1 basketball, there are very specific academic requirements. Was this something you were aware of as you were going through high school, or did you find out the requirements later on?
Caitlyn: Particularly for Division 1 basketball, I believe it is important, and to some extent easier, to take ATAR subjects in Year 11 & 12, as it sets you up best to achieve the academic requirements of D1 basketball. Academic eligibility is something you really don’t want to be in doubt, as it can limit your recruiting. Schools will pursue players that will actually be eligible to play for them! One thing I learned halfway through Year 11 is that PES (Physical Education ATAR) doesn’t count as a subject according to the NCAA, so I would advise not taking it initially to avoid the struggle of moving classes in Year 11!
Aussie Prospects: For those who have never taken the SAT exam before, what advice would you give?
Caitlyn: Don’t overthink it too much, and treat it like one of your old NAPLAN exams. It is all Literacy and Numeracy, so it doesn’t require study as such, but practice. Do a couple of practice exams before you take the real SAT.
Aussie Prospects: Western Australia is producing some outstanding female basketball athletes, many of whom are signing and playing in colleges across the USA. What do you believe makes Aussie ballers attractive recruits to the US College system?
Caitlyn: I think our work ethic and hustle on the court make Aussie ballers attractive. Coaches love to see real grit and hard work, and we bring that every time we hit the court. Most Aussie players also have a really upbeat, positive attitude, which will draw success at any level.
Aussie Prospects: Late in 2018, you competed in the first-ever Aussie Prospects Women’s Invitational. How did you find that tournament and what did you take away from the experience?
Caitlyn: I absolutely loved the tournament last year and had a great time. By that point, I had already committed, so I wasn’t as nervous as the other girls on my team. I had quite a young team, which was a switch from always being the youngest at SBL! It was a good experience for me in terms of leadership and refining my point guard abilities. We were super successful, going undefeated until the Grand Final, which was unfortunate, but I loved every minute of it with my team.
Aussie Prospects: What advice would you give to all the young aspiring female ballers who also dream of playing basketball at the highest level in the USA?
Caitlyn: My advice would be to work hard all the time, and the rest will fall into place. Create opportunities for yourself, as no one is going to do it for you, and always maintain a positive attitude. Coaches notice your actions on and off the court, and you never know when someone is watching. Aspire to be a ‘complete’ player all the time, and it will start to come naturally!
Aussie Prospects: Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule, and we wish you all the best for your college career!
Caitlyn: It was my pleasure, and thanks for your well wishes.
