Richmond basketball prospect Ava Jones has committed to Santa Clara University, continuing a proud family legacy at the highest level of United States college basketball.
The former Waimea College student, 17, has spent the past years on scholarship at Saint Andrew’s College in Christchurch, where she has emerged as one of the country’s most promising young players.
Standing six feet one inch, Ava has made a significant impact on the school’s basketball programme while collecting accolades across the regional, national and international stage.
She captained New Zealand age-group teams to both the FIBA Oceania Cup and FIBA Asia Cup finals, with the FIBA Under-17 World Cup scheduled for mid-year.
Ava will join Santa Clara in January as a redshirt freshman, aligning with the final year of her sister Maia’s college career at the prestigious university. Ava says the opportunity to be at the same school as her older sister is amazing.
“It will make the transition from leaving home so much easier. I’ve looked up to my siblings and seeing them play division one basketball and enjoying it as much as they have is something I’m really excited about.”
Ava is also eagerly anticipating the chance to be coached by well renowned staff.
“I’m incredibly excited to be coached by Loree Payne and the Santa Clara staff because I’ve seen first hand their strong relationships with their players.”
Santa Clara University is a private institution in northern California. Its Santa Clara Broncos basketball teams compete in NCAA Division I as members of the West Coast Conference and play their home games at the Leavey Centre in Santa Clara, California.
The university’s alumni include two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash.
Ava’s brother Hayden has also progressed through the United States collegiate system, playing for the Wisconsin Badgers.
Her commitment marks the sixth time a New Zealand family has had three siblings compete in the NCAA Division I programme, joining well-known basketball families such as the Fotu and Cameron Whānau.
