Antwann Jones takes a photo near the Tigers logo. The four-star guard announced his commitment to Memphis after being granted a release from Texas A&M.
It is difficult to talk about the University of Memphis men’s basketball team without talking about their potential. One of the most exciting additions being freshman guard Antwann Jones.Â
Jones has recently battled his way into the starting lineup and has Tiger basketball fans talking about his game.
Many see correlations between Jones and his coach, Penny Hardaway, including Jones’ father, who told him he was going to be a guard like Hardaway. Regardless of all the great things Jones has accomplished on the court, many people do not know him as a person.
Jones’ reputation as a player both on and off the court preceded his arrival to the UofM. Before he donned Tiger blue, some people were already skeptical of Jones’ attitude and maturity level, coming out of high school Jones said he does not see himself that way, rather he said it shows how much love he has for the game of basketball.
“I wouldn’t say I have an attitude,†Jones said. “I just would say I’m really emotional. I put my heart in the game. Sometimes I show it in the wrong way, but it’s nothing about a bad attitude. It’s just me playing hard.â€
Jones said he wants to flip the narrative of how people view him by using his emotions as fuel on the court. Jones said his emotions help him play harder and more efficiently.
“Sometimes I need to find a way to show it better,†Jones said. “But, it helps me stay motivated, stay locked in during the game.â€
Since moving from Orlando, Florida, to Memphis, Tennessee, Jones said he stays close to his dorm and just focuses on school because he knows he is in Memphis to get better at his craft.
“I don’t go too far outside of around the school,†Jones said. “I stay on campus most of the time.â€
Traveling over 800 miles, to play basketball can be quite the transition, especially for a student-athlete who is leaving behind his family and friends. Jones credits a couple of upperclassmen on the team for ensuring his transition to Memphis went smoothly.
“Jeremiah Martin and Kareem Brewton,†Jones said. “They wrapped their arms around me and helped me a lot on my mental and emotional approach.â€
Seniors Martin and Brewton have been Tigers for years and took Jones under their wings. They guided Jones in the way of being a student-athlete and how to manage the responsibilities that are associated within.
“(Martin and Brewton) keep talking to me,†Jones said. “(They are) making sure I keep my head level and be humble at all times.â€
Having to maintain the responsibilities of a student-athlete or a student can be stressful, but Jones has found his balance. He said he does what needs to be done when it needs to be done.
“When it is time to do school work, knock out your school work,†Jones said. “When it is time to ball, play basketball.â€
Jones gave some pointers for students who are struggling to find a balance with school and outside obligations. He said to keep a level head and prioritize.
“(My) advice to students would be just focus on what you have to focus on,†Jones said. “When you have free-time, make sure you are knocking out what you are supposed to be doing.â€
When Jones is not playing basketball, he is competing againgst his teammates virtually.
He, much like other college kids, Jones likes to get away from the stresses of school work. Jones said he plays video games and is working on perfecting his style of play every chance he has.
“Play (NBA) 2K, play Call of Duty and just work on my game, constantly,†Jones said.
Even when Jones has time off, he is still thinking about the next game, showing how much he loves the sport. Jones said he is not so much a fan of video games as much as he is a fan of the competition.
“I like just playing 2K against my teammates,†Jones said. “If it is competitive, then I like it, but not anything that is not competitive.â€
