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Tennessee basketball: Jordan Bone is playing like the best PG in the nation

By Billy Williford

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 9: Jordan Bone #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers drives the ball past Jeremy Hayes #3 of the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the first half of the game between the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns and the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on November 9, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 9: Jordan Bone #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers drives the ball past Jeremy Hayes #3 of the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the first half of the game between the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns and the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on November 9, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee basketball is firing on all cylinders, winners of 16 games in a row. One big reason why is the play of point guard Jordan Bone.

Anyone that has paid attention to Tennessee basketball over the past three seasons knew Jordan Bone was an exceptional talent.

His ability was undeniable, even for the biggest Kentucky fan to dispute. However, the question always when would be tap into his unlimited potential on a consistent basis? And when he did, everyone knew he would be the best point guard in the nation.

He’s got a first step that is unguardable. Stopping him in transition is improbable. And, his developed mid-range and three-point jumpers are becoming unstoppable.

Finally, in his junior season, all that potential everyone saw is starting to outshine the inconsistency. It shouldn’t go overlooked that Bone is controlling games better than the point guard on the opposite side of the court. And, stats are coming easier and easier as the season progresses.

Here is a snapshot of the past few games from Jordan Bone.

Alabama: 10 points, 7 assists, 1 turnover

Vanderbilt: 14 points, 7 assists, 0 turnovers

West Virginia: 9 points, 5 assists, 4 turnovers

South Carolina: 19 points, 9 assists, 3 turnovers

He continued his outstanding season with a fabulous performance against Texas A&M on Saturday. Bone scored 18 points on a perfect 3-for-3 from the floor, including a flawless 4-for-4 from deep.

Using data from KenPom, Bone received an offensive rating of 189 against the Aggies which was the best of his career. To compare, Grant Williams received a 150 rating with his 43-point performance against Vanderbilt. Now, of course, the rating has a lot to do with Bone’s perfect shooting performance, even still it paints a picture of just how good he has been in recent outings.

At the current moment, Bone has the fourth highest offensive rating in the SEC during conference play at 133.8. That’s up from 104.9 last year and 87.7 from his freshman season. If your wondering where other Vols stand, Williams ranks 5th (131.3), Bowden ranks 3rd (136.8), and Turner ranks 7th (130.7).

Remember, I said the outside jumper is becoming hard to stop? The stats back it up. Sure, his percentage is down for the overall season. However, he’s attempting over one more per game than last year’s 1.6 per game. In conference play is where it gets good, Bone ranks 3rd, shooting the long-range jumper at 50 percent.

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It’s indisputable that Bone is a better player and is improving with every game. His success correlates with what could be the most victorious season in Tennessee basketball history. Guard play is so crucial to winning in March, and Bone has the Vols on track to make a deep, deep run.

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