2025-26 Men's Basketball Roster
Jersey Number 21
Ryan Jones Jr.
- Class:
- Redshirt Freshman
- Position:
- F
- Height:
- 6-8
- Weight:
- 240
- Hometown:
- Gainesville, Fla.
Previous School (Virginia Tech)
Student-Athlete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
The culture around the team and outside of it made Liberty the place for me! Being at a Christian school I am able to build my relationship with Christ on a whole different level, with the benefit of playing on a winning team that has a great coaching staff and knows how to put players around you to lift you up and compete together at a high level.
Is there anything special you do pregame or postgame and why?
I pray! That’s pretty much it because I can’t do what I do by myself.
Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
My parents inspire me in all aspects, because they sacrificed so much for me to be where I am today. They are definitely where I got my work ethic from!
What is your most memorable athletic moment/accomplishment?
Earning a gold medal with Team USA. Also, winning the state championship in my senior year.
Do you have any relatives who are playing or have played college or professional sports? (Names, relation to you, what/where they played)?
My cousin Dain Dainja played basketball for Memphis.
Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
Breakfast with a passion! Pancakes, waffles, French toast, eggs, sausage, potatoes, bacon, etc. Love it all!
What is the first app you check on your phone each day?
Messages
What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
Art (being creative, cameras, drawing, etc.)
Do you have any current pets (name and type of animal)?
Cooper (toy poodle) and Leo (bearded dragon)
Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Karl Anthony-Towns
What is your favorite possession and why?
My Bible, it is my weapon.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
“Don’t Run Away”
What is your dream vacation spot and why?
Somewhere on an island that’s tropical.
- Appeared in five games as a true freshman for Virginia Tech during 2024-25 season
- Was 3-of-5 from the floor in those contests
- Recorded four points and a rebound in his first collegiate game against Delaware State (Nov. 4)
- Graduate of The Rock School
- Tabbed a four-star recruit
- Recognized as the 12th-best player in the state of Florida, 12th-best center nationally and 69th-best prospect in the 2024 class by 247Sports
- Won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2021 FIBA Americas U16 Championship
- Named Sunshine Independent Athletic Association (SIAA) first team as a junior
- Tabbed Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore
- Son of Ryan Jones Sr. and Monica Jones
- Cousin, Dain Dainja, played basketball for Baylor (2021-22), Illinois (2022-24), Memphis (2024-25) and the Miami Heat for the 2025 NBA Summer League, is currently with the Sioux Falls Skyforce training camp roster
- Uncle, Don Jackson, played basketball for Northwestern
- Intends on majoring in studio & digital art: graphic design
- Birthday is Jan. 27
Student-Athlete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
The culture around the team and outside of it made Liberty the place for me! Being at a Christian school I am able to build my relationship with Christ on a whole different level, with the benefit of playing on a winning team that has a great coaching staff and knows how to put players around you to lift you up and compete together at a high level.
Is there anything special you do pregame or postgame and why?
I pray! That’s pretty much it because I can’t do what I do by myself.
Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
My parents inspire me in all aspects, because they sacrificed so much for me to be where I am today. They are definitely where I got my work ethic from!
What is your most memorable athletic moment/accomplishment?
Earning a gold medal with Team USA. Also, winning the state championship in my senior year.
Do you have any relatives who are playing or have played college or professional sports? (Names, relation to you, what/where they played)?
My cousin Dain Dainja played basketball for Memphis.
Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
Breakfast with a passion! Pancakes, waffles, French toast, eggs, sausage, potatoes, bacon, etc. Love it all!
What is the first app you check on your phone each day?
Messages
What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
Art (being creative, cameras, drawing, etc.)
Do you have any current pets (name and type of animal)?
Cooper (toy poodle) and Leo (bearded dragon)
Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Karl Anthony-Towns
What is your favorite possession and why?
My Bible, it is my weapon.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
“Don’t Run Away”
What is your dream vacation spot and why?
Somewhere on an island that’s tropical.
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Tuesday, November 04
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Step Into My Office with Ritchie McKay
Tuesday, September 30
Kaden Metheny & Zach Cleveland Talk About The Upcoming Season
Tuesday, September 23
