From Tallahassee to the Bay Area
Lajae Jones, the Florida State standout who dominated the 2025‑26 season, heard his name called with the 54th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, sealing a move to the Golden State Warriors.
During his junior year he averaged 12.7 points per game, pulled down 189 rebounds and blocked 33 shots, and earned All‑ACC Tournament Second Team honors after a postseason surge that produced 21.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
The Warriors’ new recruit will reunite with Luke Loucks, the coach who guided him for six seasons at Florida State, a connection that could shape his early role in the Bay Area.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Jones’s rebounding instincts and shot‑blocking presence will translate to the NBA’s fast‑paced style, especially as the Warriors look to blend youthful talent with their seasoned core.