South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Player Jemel Jones Named NJCAA DIVISION II NATIONAL Player-of-the-Year. It’s the Fourth Player in the Last Five years for Head Coach, John Pigatti.

South Holland, IL– South Suburban College (SSC) Men’s Basketball player, sophomore guard Jemel Jones (Eisenhower HS) was named NJCAA Division II NATIONAL Player-of-the-Year. This is the Fourth Player in the last 5 years to be named “National” Player-of-the-Year played for Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Pigatti. Jones averaged 33.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 3.3 steals per game during the 2023-’24 season. This award puts a cap on all of the accomplishments acquired by Jones this season. He was named to the All-Tournament Team at the NJCAA National Championship Tournament, MVP of the Midwest District A Tournament, Region IV-A Player-of -the Year, and NJCAA 1st Team All American. Jones led his team to a 34-3 record and scored 1245 points this season.

Coach Pigatti said: “I am extremely happy for Jemel. This award is well deserved. He led all of college basketball (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA) in scoring and did it with a versatile game. He grabbed almost 10 rebounds, dished out almost 6 assists and snatched over 3 steals a game. This award validates all of his hard work he put in this season on the court and in the classroom. His game will greatly transpire to the next level of his basketball career and his future is very bright. It was an honor and privilege to coach this fine young man this season”.

South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, IL. For additional information please contact Coach John Pigatti at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524, or email JPigatti@ssc.edu.

PHOTO: Jemel Jones, South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Team