Junior forward Jared Jones might have the highest ceiling out of all the Patriots’ prospects. The 6-foot-6, 180-pound wing has high-major potential, but injuries have hindered his development.

“Jared has been plagued with some injuries during his time with us, but everyone knew coming out of the eighth grade that he was one of the best prospects in his class in Baltimore,” Martin said. “The injuries have slowed him, but I don’t think it has deterred the colleges. He’s receiving the same type of interest he was receiving -- a lot of inquiries from the big-time conferences.”

Jones had arthroscopic knee surgery and is currently going through rehabilitation. Martin is anticipating a mid-year return for Jones, depending on how the rehab goes.

“If Jared’s body will cooperate with him, some great things are going to happen to him,” Martin said. “He is an absolutely lock-down defender and can play any position on the floor. He’s a very active player and shot-blocker, rebounder and a very good passer for a big wing.”

A third junior Div. I prospect was added to John Carroll’s roster last month. Combo guard Ronald Scott was looking for a home when the Archdiocese of Baltimore closed Towson Catholic in July.

“His father actually called me when the news hit that TC would not be opening in the fall,” Martin said. “I did my homework by speaking with [former Owls coach] Josh Pratt and their [former athletic director], Jeff Palumbo. And they were consistent with the praise of the type of young man he was. He has high character and is certainly a kid who can play here.”

Scott, 5-11, is expected to step into the Patriots’ guard rotation immediately. “He’s a guy who can shoot it, get to the rim and finish,” Martin said. “He can play multiple positions and handle the ball for us. Hopefully he’ll help fill a need.”

Sophomore combo guard Lionel Greene will be counted on to bridge the gap between John Carroll’s talented juniors and a promising group of freshmen. Greene, who plays for Team Melo in the offseason, has already garnered a fair share of Div. I interest.

“South Florida, for example, is following him, along with a number of other schools at a variety of levels in DI,” Martin said. “He’s got Division I quickness right now. And he’s a kid that’s going to continue to grow. He’s going to have the opportunity to shine.”

While things will be much different for Martin in his fifth season as John Carroll’s coach, he’s ready to embrace the change.

“I’m actually calling it the next generation for student-athletes at John Carroll,” Martin said. “Four years are in the books, we’ve built the foundation and obviously programs have their ups and downs, but we feel we’ll always be in the hunt, even with those kinds of cycles. ... In the big picture, we feel really good about these kids and what they’ll do over the next four years.”

Baltimore Sun photo of Malcolm McMillan by Patrick Smith / Dec. 9, 2008