From The Archive: The Big Decision
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The Big Decision, Draft Preview 2012, May 1, 2012
Seth Jones is always prepared. His October birthday means he'll wait an extra year before becoming eligible for the draft. Playing up with national team development program's under-18 team gave him a legitimate shot at making Team USA's national junior team this season. His birthright as the son of ex-NBA player Popeye Jones is that lessons in being an elite athlete are burned in: 'Nothing comes easy,' Jones said. 'Nothing is going to be handed to you on a platter. It's what people don't see, what you do in practice, that matters.'
Jones just makes it look easy. Already 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he brings so many looks to the blueline that his coach struggles to single out a strength. 'I can just say 'everything,'' said Danton Cole. 'He passes well, he shoots well, he has a knack for knowing when to make a play and when to jump into the rush. On the defensive end, he sees the game. He's not overly physical, but he plays the body.'
Though he was born in Texas, Jones spent his formative years in Colorado, where he became a big Avs fan. His model NHLer, however, comes from the Red Wings. 'Nick Lidstrom,' he said. 'I know that's lofty, but the way he plays the game, he keeps it simple.'
Recently, Jones' life has been rather complex. As the best American prospect yet to commit to a college, the big defender was being courted by the Western League's Everett Silvertips, which hold his major junior rights, and a number of NCAA schools, most notably North Dakota. Jones sees the benefit of both routes. 'With Everett, there's more games played,' he said. 'It's a similar schedule to the NHL. College would be more developmental. You live in a dorm and you have to grow up a little.'
Wherever he ends up, it won't be for long. Only a shoulder separation kept Jones off Team USA's national junior squad as a 17-year-old and big expectations have not fazed him. 'He's had a lot on him, but he's a uniquely prepared young man,' Cole said. 'He hasn't let anything become a distraction.'
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