Jones’ Return to USC ‘Crucial,’ Parker Says

Nearly one year after leaving USC because he was unhappy with the school’s basketball program under George Raveling, Avondre Jones has decided to return to the Trojans and Coach Charlie Parker.

Jones, a 6-foot-11 center who played as a freshman at USC two seasons ago, signed a letter of intent with the Trojans on Wednesday after playing last season at Chaffey College, where he averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and five blocked shots.

“We’re extremely pleased to have Avondre back,” said Parker, who became coach last month after leading the Trojans to a 7-22 record last season as interim coach. “It was very crucial for us to bring him back for our program.”

Jones, who will be a junior in the fall, was regarded as one of the top recruits in the nation when he arrived at USC in the fall of 1993 from Artesia High. As a teammate of UCLA’s Charles and Ed O’Bannon, Jones helped lead Artesia to three state championships in four years and averaged 21.2 points, 11.7 rebounds and 4.3 blocks as a senior.

As a freshman at USC, Jones struggled to adjust to the Division I level. He did not play in three games because of team rules violations and averaged only 3.8 points and 3.1 rebounds. His best effort came in a victory at Arizona State when he had 13 points and seven rebounds.

After his freshman season, Jones, a rapper who has drawn interest from record companies, cited frustration over his playing time in deciding to transfer to Chaffey.

“I think that it was good for him because he was able to get away for a while and readjust his thinking about basketball and school,” Parker said. “By going to Chaffey, he had a chance to relax and refocus a little bit.”

In getting Jones to return, the Trojans had to withstand a late recruiting rush from Fresno State and its new coach, Jerry Tarkanian, along with Louisville and Coach Denny Crum.

Last week, Jones indicated he was leaning toward returning to USC but waited until this week to make it official.

Jones could not be reached for comment.

Jones will team with incoming freshman Maurice Strong, a 6-9 250-pound power forward from Memphis, to give USC added strength inside, which was a weakness last season.

“The center position is a key for the rebuilding of our team, and Avondre is an immediate impact player there,” Parker said. “He brings experience and great athletic ability to the position. He will be the focal point in both our offensive and defensive schemes.”

In addition to Jones and Strong, Parker also is bringing in Damion Dawson, a 6-2 guard from Long Beach Poly who committed last fall.

The Trojans also have a commitment from James Brown--a 6-6 swingman from Dominguez High--but have to wait until his test scores return before he can sign, and are awaiting word from Sai Tuialii--a 6-6 forward from Los Angeles City College, who plans to announce his decision this weekend.

“Being one of the smaller teams in the Pac-10 this past year, it was important that we recruited players with size and physical strength,” said Parker, who will also regain 6-5 senior Tremayne Anchrum who sat out last season because of a knee injury.