CEDAR FALLS - Antonio Jones brings athleticism and height to the University of Northern Iowa basketball team's backcourt.

But, moreso than his physical traits, Panther head coach Ben Jacobson was impressed with the 6-foot-4 guard's willingness to fit into the team concept.

"That was our top priority," Jacobson said Wednesday after Jones inked a national letter of intent on the first day of the spring signing period. "Antonio is excited about that part of it.

"We had a couple conversations when he was on his (official) visit, talking about how our team this past year was successful from having great chemistry and different guys stepping forward on different nights. He's excited about being a part of a group like that.

"We had to have somebody who was excited about what we did this past season."

Jones is the only player UNI will sign this spring after 6-3 guard Marc Sonnen and 6-1 point guard Matt Morrison inked letter of intents in November.

The Chicago native played at Coffeyville Community College (Kan.) this past season. He was the team's second-leading scorer at 11.5 points per game, averaged 2.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest while shooting 37 percent from the 3-point line.

Coffeyville compiled a 24-8 record this past season, including the Jayhawk Eastern Division Championship.

"The thing I liked most about him is, Coach (Jay) Herkleman had very positive comments about Antonio being a great team guy," Jacobson said. "He was willing to do what he needs to do to help his team win basketball games. Coming from Coach Herkelman, that meant a lot to me."

Jones has played for three teams since graduating from Marshall High School in Chicago four years ago. In addition to Coffeyville, he was at prep school for a year in New York and spent a season at Western Nebraska Community College.

"That will help make the transition easier," Jacobson said. "He's had to adjust and adapt to different teams, different coaches. He is older, and he's got a certain maturity level about him."

UNI does have one more scholarship available for next season, but Jacobson said recently that he'd like to give that to guard Brian Haak, who came into the program as a preferred walk-on and will be a senior next season.

Contact Matt Coss at (319) 291-1468 or matt.coss@wcfcourier.com