Andrew Jones is a 32 year old 191cm shooting guard that has been a professional basketball player since 2007 and has returned back to the Dresden Titans this season. He played at Miles(NCAA2) and has played in Germany for most of his professional career with four seasons with the Dresden Titans and three seasons with the BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga). He also gained experience playing with teams like Marietta Storm (SEBL), BC Celtics (SEBL), C.B. Aridane (Spain-EBA) and Universidad Tecnologica Equinoc. Quito (Ecuador-National League). Last season he played for BG Aschersleben Tigers (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19,9ppg, 6,5rpg and 3,9apg. He spoke to German Hoops after the tough 90-86 loss to the Fraport Skyliners Juniors

 

 

Thanks Andrew for talking to German Hoops

No problem at all Miles! Thanks for having me

A tough 90-86 loss against the Fraport Skyliners Juniors. Could one say the biggest strength on the day for the Dresden Titans was their fighting mentality?

Yes in the first half you could say that. We gave to many offensive rebounds to Frankfurt which gives them more opportunities at the rim.

In the first half Dresden gave up 11 offensive rebounds and in the second half only two. What was missing in the first half that the club compensated with in the second half?

We started out really slow and less aggressive attacking the glass. In the second half we made a conscious effort to take away their second attempts to score.

In the fourth quarter the Dresden Titans kept fighting, but couldn´t get over the hump. Was having to cover the three line which Frankfurt was dangerous from all night long and that always threatening inside game just too much to handle with the energy conditions diminishing as time elapsed?

Frankfurt is a very good team. They shot more from the three than inside. We did a good job covering them inside. However, they shot 40 percent from the three and made 25 out of 30 free throws. It was a good shooting night for Frankfurt.

Head coach Steven Clauss stated after the loss that despite the loss, it will help the team for future games. What do you believe did the club gain out of this loss?

We lost to Frankfurt by a few points after fighting to comeback. We understand that giving to many offensive rebounds kills us. Controlling the glass will help win games.

You had another tough game in the scoring department not scoring. Do you feel like you are forcing things too much with your shot?

I have been a scorer my whole career and I think that’s the first stat everyone looks for. I pick my shots a little bit more now and look for the open guy when I attack. The last two games I shot 9 times, so forcing has nothing to do with it really. I’m looking to win and get to the playoffs. We have 5 games left in the season. I will be more aggressive in the next games.

However you helped out in other areas like defense where you made some huge plays in key moments. How difficult is it to balance the mental part of the scoring and trying to be effective in other areas?

I don’t try to balance anything really. We have 3 imports splitting minutes. My first thought on the court is trying to make the right play for the team defensively or offensively.

Randal Holt has a lot of confidence in your game. Do you feel that when you are on the court with him?

Yes of course. I felt that way the first practice we had together. He brings a lot to this team.

After a loss and not scoring, what do you try to do the following week in practice to be able to fully focus on your job as a professional basketball player?

I will focus on what we need to accomplish as a team. With us fighting for positioning in the playoffs, I will look for my shot more to give us a deeper threat.

Philipp Liesser had a huge game with 25 points always in attacking mode. Do you feel that he can still make the jump up a level at age 26?

Yes of course. With the right opportunity he could definitely make it to the next level.

Randal Holt had a huge game with 29 points. How has his presence helped your game since he has arrived?

Randal’s scoring ability and aggressiveness has given us a more options. He controls the game very well.

The Dresden Titans are 2-2 with new head coach Steven Clauss. One could say that the club has gotten better and has every chance to make the playoffs. What do you believe has been the secret to the current success of the team?

3 out of the 4 games have been fast paced with Coach Clauss. His style of play fits with the players on this team. So if there secret, I would say his style of play.

What has been refreshing with the coaching style of Steven Clauss that you have never seen before?

I been around a lot of coaches so it’s hard to say what I haven’t seen before. However, I can say he handles wins and losses very well. He is very positive no matter the outcome

What do the Dresden Titans have to do now to secure a playoff spot in the post season?

We have to continue to play our game and control the rebounds. We can definitely score. But we have to defend and rebound.

Who will win Super Bowl 50 Denver or Carolina?

I am going for Cam Newton and the Panthers

What was the last movie that you saw?

Captain America.

 

Thanks Andrew for the chat.