Jones started playing varsity basketball as a seventh-grader for Sunshine High School in Newbern, Alabama, where his father served as the head coach.

He played alongside his older brother, Walter Jr., and helped his team reach the Class 1A state finals in 2015, before the school closed.

[1] For his junior season, Jones transferred to Hale County High School in nearby Moundville, Alabama, following his father, who was an assistant coach.

[2] As a senior, he averaged 16.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and four assists, earning Class 4A Player of the Year honors.

[7] On January 29, 2020, during a game against LSU, Jones suffered a fractured left wrist and underwent surgery three days later.

[9] As a junior, Jones averaged 7.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game and was a Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Defensive Team selection.

On April 8, 2021, Jones declared for the 2021 NBA draft, forgoing his extra year of college eligibility.