Barret Benson’s announcement on Tuesday of his desire to transfer sent shock waves through the Northwestern community. Those ripples may have been felt most acutely in Powder Springs, Ga.

That’s where Northwestern Class of 2019 recruit Jared Jones lives. The three-star big man’s minutes next season in Evanston likely got a significant boost as soon as Benson announced his intention to play his final year at another school as a grad transfer.

But Jones, coming off of both state and national titles at McEachern High School this season, already knew about the decision before Benson’s tweeted it out to the rest of the world. Head coach Chris Collins had already told him the news, and Benson himself shot Jones a text.

Jones shared a special relationship with Benson, and he is sorry to see the junior center leave on both a personal and basketball level. He called Benson “family.”

At the same time, however, Jones believes that he can make an impact as a true freshman at Northwestern next year. Now, he may get a little bit more of an opportunity to shine.

We talked to Jones to get his take on the recent transfers, his undefeated senior season, his hopes for next season and much, much more in this WildcatReport exclusive.