Thunder head coach Scott Brooks has high praise for Perry Jones III

When Perry Jones III begins his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2012-13 season, it will begin with plenty of high expectations for the young first round pick from Baylor. Much of those expectations stem from a stream of high praise from coaches and players for the rookie, as he continues to impress during training camp.

Among those noticing his strong play have been Thunder head coach Scott Brooks and two-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook, who both told Darnell Mayberry of NewsOK that they have been impressed.

"I thought he had a very good day today," said Brooks. Said Westbrook: "Perry has definitely impressed me because I knew how good he was coming out of college. He's getting better. He listens. He learns and he wants to get better."
"He's a better shooter than I really realized," Brooks said. "He has a knack for making shots from 15, 16 feet."

In his second and final season with Baylor, Jones III averaged 13.5 points with 7.6 rebounds, as he helped the Bears to make it to the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament before they were knocked out by the eventual champions, the Kentucky Wildcats.

The Thunder made it to the NBA Finals, but lost to the Miami Heat in five games.