Two of Greg Jones’ favorite things are basketballs and books.

The John Marshall High School senior’s impeccable credentials as a student and an athlete have earned him a full scholarship to James Madison University.

Before teammates, friends, family, media and lots of cameras gathered in the high school’s library, the 6-foot-6 Jones officially signed Wednesday, Nov. 9, with the NCAA Division I school in Harrisonburg.

At the signing, Jones wore a purple bowtie and gold chain, reflecting JMU’s official colors, purple and gold.

As upward bound young men go, Jones takes a back seat to almost no one.

“Ever since he joined us as a freshman, Greg has been thinking ‘next level,’ ” said John Marshall High Coach Ty White. “I’m as proud of him as any athlete I’ve ever coached.”

Jones, who turns 18 next month, is an imposing force on the low post. He averaged 15.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and two blocked shots per game as a junior, leading John Marshall to a 24-7 record and the State 3A semifinals.

A four-year starter, he’ll commence his senior season with 961 points.

The bar has been set high for his farewell tour.

“Our goals are to win conference, region and state” titles, he said.

Academically, Jones is just as impressive.

Taking honors courses, Jones has posted a 4.1 GPA and ranks second in the senior class to Donovan Walls, GPA 4.2, who spoke at the signing.

“Anytime you see me, you can expect Greg to be nearby,” said Walls. “We’re always helping each other.”

Seated at the signing table with Jones were his mother, Jennifer Mack; sister, Domonique Mack; younger brother, Diego Smith; and grandmother, Loretta Studwood.

“When Greg would come home from school, before he’d go out to play, he’d always do his homework first thing,” Ms. Studwood said about her grandson’s early upbringing.

“Then I’d give him a snack,” she added with a chuckle.

Ever the statesman, Jones made sure to credit his family and coaches for his success. He bestowed high praise on Coach White and also on Assistant Coach Rudy Cunningham, who has choreographed many of Jones’ individual workouts, both during the season and the offseason.

That name may sound familiar to older hoops fans.

Coach Cunningham’s father is legendary shot blocker Rudy “The Reject” Cunningham of Maggie Walker High School’s 1976 state championship team.

A perennial juggernaut under Coach White, Jones and Walls have holes to fill following the graduation loss of Jeremy Carter-Sheppard, now playing at East Carolina University, and Xavier Trent, now at Clarendon College in Texas, and the transfer of Isaiah Anderson to Benedictine.

Firmly plugging at least one vacancy is 6-foot-9 Isaiah Todd, among the nations’ top-rated freshmen.

“Isaiah is my ally inside,” said Jones. “He dunks on me. I dunk on him. It goes back and forth.”

John Marshall is 64-17 overall in Jones’ three previous seasons.

This year’s schedule includes something most rare on the high school level — a plane trip.

The Justices will be jetting to the Atlanta area for the Dec. 27 through 29 Tournament of Champions in Marietta, Ga.

John Marshall won the State 3A title in 2014, Jones’ freshman campaign.

“Greg came in a champion,” Coach White said. “Now the plan is for him to go out a champion.”