Former Barton Community College men's basketball standout Lajae Jones realized a lifelong dream Wednesday evening, selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 54th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft. Jones played one season for the Cougars, leading Barton to the 2024 NJCAA Division I National title with a 36-1 record while earning the tournament's Most Valuable Player award and concluding his accolades as a Second Team NJCAA All-America selection. Known for his unselfish, team-first approach, Jones was a four-time KJCCC Player of the Week and NJCAA National Player of the Week recipient, earning First Team All-KJCCC/Region 6 honors. He led Barton in scoring 14 times and rebounding in 22 contests, including the final seven games. Jones closed out the national title game with 14 points and 13 rebounds for his 15th double-double of the season. He finished with 66 points, 43 rebounds, and two double-doubles across Barton's four national tournament victories. Jones is the son of Barton Sports Hall of Famer and Cougar legend Jackie Jones, who was selected 17th overall by the Rapid City Thrillers in the 1991 CBA Draft, further adding to one of Barton's most accomplished basketball family legacies "Lajae's story is what junior college basketball is all about," said Barton basketball coach Jeremy Coombs. "He came to Barton with a dream and trusted the process. He helped lead us to a national championship, and never stopped pursuing his goal of playing in the NBA. Hearing his name called by the Warriors was an emotional moment. I know the sacrifices and hard work it took for him to get there. I couldn't be prouder of him and this amazing accomplishment." Jones becomes the fourth player in Barton men's basketball history to be selected in the NBA Draft. Robert Whaley was selected 51st overall by the Utah Jazz in 2005, joining Aleksandar Radojevic (Toronto Raptors, 12th pick, 1999) and Kenny Williams (Indiana Pacers, 46th pick, 1990). After transferring from Tarleton State, the Seattle, Washington, native opened his Cougar career with a 30-point debut while knocking down six of seven 3-point attempts. Jones averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds per game while shooting 54% and 42% from beyond the arc. The 6-foot-7, 220-pound wing transferred to St. Bonaventure before concluding his collegiate career at Florida State. Over those two seasons, Jones continued developing into an NBA prospect, steadily elevating his draft stock through his combination of size, versatility, defensive ability, and consistent production before impressing scouts throughout the pre-draft process. The Warriors are expected to introduce their draft picks Friday afternoon at the Chase Center, with Jones beginning to prepare immediately for NBA Summer League competition beginning July 3.