Louisville Basketball: One on One with Chris Jones' JuCo Coach Steve Forbes

Chris Jones has emerged as a top target for the University of Louisville in the past couple of months. Rick Pitino has already offered Jones a scholarship and is hoping the 5'10” point guard will replace senior Peyton Siva after this year.

Jones was part of Tennessee's talented 2011 class. After Bruce Pearl was fired, Jones followed UT's assistant coach Steve Forbes to NW Florida State College. Several schools have pushed hard for Jones after he had a very good first year in junior college.

I had a chance to interview head coach Steve Forbes recently about his star point guard.

Bleacher Report: When is Chris planning on visiting Louisville? 

Steve Forbes: September 14-16

B/R: Has he built a strong relationship with the Louisville coaches?                             

SF: Yes, he has enjoyed visiting with Coach Pitino and Coach Keatts

B/R: What would he bring to a program like Louisville?                                                      

SF: Chris is a winner. Won the state title at Melrose High School in Memphis and was the state tournament MVP. He led NWF to the National Championship game and a 32-2 record a year ago. He was the first freshman in the Panhandle Conference to win Player of the Year since Chris Porter in 1997. One of the most competitive kids I've ever coached. Makes others around him better but is an explosive scorer. The best PG in the country, high school or junior college.

B/R: What kind of teammate is he?                                                                          

SF: He cares about his teammates but cares more about winning. He is not afraid to get on a teammate when he's not practicing hard.

B/R: Because he followed you from Tennessee to NW Florida State, how strong is your bound with him?                                                                                                                    

SF: We've known each other since his eighth grade year. We've been through a lot. The dynamics of our relationship has [sic] changed over the years from me being the assistant coach that recruited him to me being his head coach. We have mutual respect for each other based on trust built up over time.

B/R: Where else is he planning on visiting?                                                              

SF: Baylor this weekend, Oklahoma State the following weekend, Louisville, Florida State after Louisville and Kansas for Midnight Madness