Each of the draft prospective customers who have been streaming as a result of the Knicks’ Tarrytown facility the very last couple months for exercise sessions arrived in with a diverse standpoint.
Texas level guard Andrew Jones came in pondering he’s lucky to be alive.
Soon after battling leukemia, Jones’ inspirational story took him to Tarrytown on Thursday for his to start with-ever NBA exercise, battling in opposition to draft prospective customers with a lot less of a winding journey.
He saw Derrick Rose in the locker room and greeted his aged Texas teammate, Jericho Sims, who was drafted by the Knicks very last yr.
“There had been a large amount of matters during my procedure that persons did not realize,’’ Jones claimed. “There was a place where by I did not know if I was likely to make it. Who realized if my body would at any time come again?
“It’s a surreal opportunity right now,’’ he additional. “It’s a blessing most importantly because I went as a result of this course of action four a long time ago. Just after staying identified, I never believed I’d be here all over again. So, I’m grateful for the chance just to present I’m increasing and that I can perform on this next degree.’’
Jones was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2018 throughout a season in which he was the Longhorns’ main scorer. He had been contemplating coming out for the draft. In its place, he underwent chemotherapy and skipped the rest of the 2017-18 year, and most of the 2018-19 period.
In his sixth time in Austin, in 2021-22, Jones averaged 11.2 factors, 1.5 steals and shot 32.5 per cent from 3. He’ll likely go undrafted and work his way up from the G-League.
Questioned why he experienced no other exercises, Jones claimed: “I guess I didn’t have any interest from teams at initially. Following my pro working day [in California], I guess I sparked a very little bit of fascination. Ideally I get far more.’’
And which is good with him right after what he has been via. He dedicated the NIL income he obtained from endorsements to most cancers analysis.
“I just saved my head down and reliable the approach,’’ Jones claimed. “Five several years afterwards, I’m grateful to be below.
He figures he’ll be extra point guard than the shooting guard he was at Texas.
“In university I was much more utilized as a scorer,’’ Jones claimed. “I feel like on the future level my versatility and getting capable to engage in make and place the ground. It will be a pleasurable brand of basketball to perform.’’
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