The UCF men’s basketball team has added 2025 IMG Academy graduate Tanner Jones to the 2025–26 roster, as announced by head coach Johnny Dawkins.

“Tanner is a versatile guard with great size and a commitment to the defensive side of the ball. He missed some time earlier last season, but once he came back, he provided a tremendous boost to his team. We’re happy to welcome him to the UCF family.”

Johnny Dawkins UCF Men's Basketball Head Coach

The Village Valley, Calif. native competed against top-notch competition as a senior at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., during the 2024-25 season. Before missing time with the program, the incoming freshman contributed to the team with stellar performances, including several games highlighted by multiple three-point field goals.

Prior to his time at IMG Academy, the six-foot-four guard spent his earlier high school years at Campbell Hall in Studio City, Calif. As a junior, Jones made an impact on both ends of the floor, averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game across 21 appearances.

Jones hails from a pedigree of excellence in collegiate and professional basketball. His father, Dahntay Jones, was selected 20th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He went on to play for several NBA teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and the 2016 NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers. Before his successful NBA career, Jones played at Rutgers University for his freshman and sophomore seasons before transferring to Duke University from 2001–03, where he trained under then-associate head coach Johnny Dawkins.