USC lands point guard Lamont Jones

Lamont Jones of Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill Academy signed a letter of intent Sunday to play for USC, making the Trojans’ point guard position stronger, according to a source familiar with the program.

The 6-foot Jones is expected to play a lot because junior Daniel Hackett declared for the NBA draft. Hackett averaged 37 minutes a game last season.

The Trojans also have Mike Gerrity, a transfer who won’t be eligible until the end of December, at point guard.

Jones, though inexperienced, gives USC a skilled player at that position. He was ranked the 11th-best point guard nationally by Ri- vals.com.

USC will lose two players off its current roster, as center Mamadou Diarra is expected to turn pro and play in Europe and guard Donte Smith is expected to transfer.

-- Chris Foster