Texas guard Andrew Jones isn’t on any of the preseason watch lists, but on college basketball’s opening night, he turned in what will be one of the season’s most inspiring performances.
>> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more stories where sports and faith connect <<
The redshirt sophomore guard missed most of the past two seasons as he battled leukemia. But he entered Tuesday’s game with 13:50 left in the first half and went to work. Jones poured in a career-best 20 points in 29 minutes of action as the Longhorns defeated Northern Colorado, 69-45.
“It was a great feeling to be back out there,” Jones said after the game. “I didn’t have any jitters. I wasn’t nervous.”
ICYMI from @KVUE Daybreak: An incredible story takes another incredible turn.
In his first game back after beating cancer, Andrew Jones scores a career-high 20 points and leads Texas to a season opening win. pic.twitter.com/JaZsBP77gu
— Jake García (@Jake_M_Garcia) November 6, 2019
Jones’ previous best was 19 points against VCU in December 2017, back when he was leading the team in scoring with 15.3 points per game. But he was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2018 and missed the rest of the season. He made brief appearances in two games last season, but was still undergoing treatment.
Jones finished his treatments in September and has been practicing with the team ever since.
“I’m happy for Andrew,” Texas coach Shaka Smart said. “I’m happy for his family. Sometimes in life, when you are dealt a tough hand, it’s really about how you respond. He was the best offensive player on the floor. He played with great energy. He played with an aggressive, confident and loose mindset.”
Jones finds confidence in Christ. He told reporters last year, “It’s a choice whether if you want to just continue to go on and fight through adversity, or you can just sit there and let it take over you. Most people don’t have the mental strength or even just the drive to want to do it, but anything is possible. Through the grace of God, anything is possible.”
Throughout his journey, Jones has often posted inspirational Bible verses or messages on Twitter:
“while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18
What’s done in the dark, always comes to light pic.twitter.com/mrsQrXdArf— Andrew Jones (@Drewdotcash1) August 31, 2019
And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. https://t.co/9QgSgPIm3y
— Andrew Jones (@Drewdotcash1) August 22, 2019
God is good all the time 🤞🏾
— Andrew Jones (@Drewdotcash1) October 22, 2019
After the strong opening game, Jones figures to battle for a spot in the starting lineup. The Longhorns hit the road for their next game, Saturday at No. 23 Purdue.
RELATED STORIES:
— NEW PODCAST: Nate Oats – Alabama Men’s Basketball Head Coach
— Coach Buzz Williams ‘grateful and blessed’ as he takes over at Texas A&M
— Texas QB Sam Ehlinger following God’s plan as he leads Longhorns, honors late father
