Lamont Jones of Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill Academy signed a letter of intent today 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 absorb a large chunk of the playing time, a hole that opened when junior Daniel Hackett decided to declare 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 Rivals.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@latimes.com
