Over the past few years, Alabama’s 2017 class has garnered tons of national and local attention, and rightfully so. With high-major talents like John Petty, Austin Wiley, Alex Reese, Jamal Johnson, and Garrison Brooks all inside the state’s borders, it’s hard not to be excited about the future of Alabama high school basketball. But it’s not just those prospects that make this stellar class special.

In fact, in 20 years when everything is said and done, one of the best players from the state’s 2017 class may not be included in those five players. Enter Herb Jones.

Jones, a versatile wing from Moundville (AL) Hale County, continues to make progress with his game. Since the summer, the junior has grown two inches to 6-foot-6. His athleticism and assertiveness have also taken the next step. His calm demeanor and high IQ have remained the same, and that’s a good thing. Jones is really, really good right now. But is he as good as he can be? Does he know how good he could be?

I don’t think so. The potential for Jones is off the charts. He has a special skill-set that continues to evolve. He can be a lockdown defender on the perimeter. And the scariest thing is, the kid could be 6-foot-9. There aren’t many players in the world that have a game quite like Jones. He’s extremely unique.

Having to transfer schools after his former school, Sunshine, shut down at the conclusion of last year’s school year hasn’t slowed down Jones’ production. He is one of the leaders for Hale County, who has had a recent jolt of energy within its basketball program. They looked poised to compete for a 3A state championship this season.

“I want to get back to the state championship game,” Jones told HoopSeen.com. “The season is going pretty well right now and I feel like I’m playing ‘OK,’ but not to my full potential.”

College coaches have been in frequently to see Jones over the past month. In fact, two Alabama assistant coaches were in attendance to see him play at the same time HoopSeen.com was last week. UAB was in the night before.

“UAB, Alabama, Auburn, and Vanderbilt have been at my games recently. UAB and Alabama [are making me a priority].”

Jones currently holds scholarship offers from UAB and Auburn. However, that could change very soon. Several programs are close to pulling the trigger and offering.

“Georgia, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Florida, Wichita State, Troy, South Alabama, and Alabama are all showing interest,” he explained.

As Hale County continues to win and makes their way toward the playoffs, expect to hear than name Herb Jones. And when this elite 2017 class in Alabama is being discussed, his name should be included, too.