Ring, ring.

It was 3 in the afternoon Friday when Stephen Jones received the phone call that would determine the rest of the 6-foot-3 senior’s college basketball career — the call that would tell him he was academically eligible.

Jones, a strongly built swingman, has had his share of problems in the past. Coming out of Chicago Leo High School, he was unable to attend a four-year university because he didn’t have the required grades.

Opting for the junior college route, he ended up at Kennedy King in Chicago. As a freshman there, Jones helped guide the team to a 27-5 mark, but it was his sophomore year when he really shined. The second-leading scorer on the team, behind current Phoenix Sun Paul McPherson, Jones averaged 14.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists while helping to lead the team to a fourth-place finish in the country.

The sole NIU player coming from the JUCO ranks, Jones saw spot duty in his first year as a Huskie last season. But just when everything looked to be going well again, Jones found himself again in trouble because of his grades.

Failing to earn appropriate grades for last year’s final marking period, Jones was ruled academically ineligible for the start of this, his senior year. He had to work hard this semester for a chance to play the final semester of his college career. His destiny came down to one phone call.

“Coach called me and told me everything is done and that I’m eligible,” Jones said. “So he told me to call my dad and tell him that I could play. I was pretty happy.”

Back in the lineup, Jones is expected to contribute immediately to a struggling NIU team. The Huskies are 2-11 overall, 1-3 in the Mid-American Conference.

Jones already is playing in practice with the Black Team, which includes the starting unit, and interim head coach Andy Greer is glad to have him back.

“He is going to get a lot of playing time quick,” Greer said. “I think he will make us a better rebounding team, he is capable of making us a better defensive team, and he is also a very good penetrator.”

Expected to fill the wing position, Jones could provide the Huskies with a slashing ability that’s been sorely missed.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to help out the team,” he said. “I’m trying to do things this year. It’s my last year — I’ve got to go all-out.”

Looking to continue his basketball career even after NIU, Jones is elated to be able to play again.

“Hopefully, I can open some eyes and someone will see me play,” he said. “I just would like to thank my coach, Mr. Collins, my teachers that helped me, my teammates and my family for supporting me through some rough times.”