Andrew Jones is a 34 year old 191cm shooting combo guard that has been a professional basketball player since 2007. 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). He last played with the Dresden Titans (Germany-ProB) playing 28 games averaging 9.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 63.6%. Currently he is practicing with the German Pro A team Chemnitz. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Andrew Jones hits the Fraport Skyliners Juniors for 38 points leading Dresden to 88-80 win in 2013. Full Game:

Andrew thanks for talking to German Hoops. Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been?

What’s up Miles! I’m living in Dresden with my wife and daughter. The summer was very relaxing.

Did you experience anything really cool this summer, an experience that you had never had before that made your summer extra special?

Being able to wake up every day healthy and strong was coolest thing I did this summer. This summer was more about rest and family. There were no big vacations.

After a solid 2015-2016 season with the Dresden Titans where you averaged 9.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 63.6%, you didn´t play last season. Did you want to take a year off to experience new things or did the right offer not come about?

Actually that was a terrible performance that year, lol. I played in Bolivia for four months right after that season. I had a few offers in South America, but I would have been gone too long from the family. So I chose to stay close. My daughter was going to kindergarten for the first time. I wanted to be there for her and my wife.

Did you follow your ex team Dresden Titans? Were you surprised that they totally fell apart last season in the Pro A. The talent was there, but was possibly that experienced guy like yourself missing that could have kept the team together better in tough times?

Yes, I was very close to the team last year. It did surprise me that they didn’t remain in Pro A. The team was young, but I think they were ok. The first 6 or 7 games of the season was close ones that they lost. If they had a better start of the season, then all the changes made would have not happened I think.

How tough was it not playing last season. How quickly did you get that itch back to want to compete and weren´t able to. What did you miss most about the game besides the urge to compete week in and week out?

 It wasn’t tough at all. I really took a break from basketball because I needed it. I would practice from time to time to keep my body in shape. I really wanted to be there for my daughter and wife. They had my full attention. I missed the daily training most of all. I had times where I did not train for a few weeks. I could tell the difference in my body. I didn’t like that feeling.

Now your back and have been training with German Pro A team Chemnitz. What kind of experience has that been for you and how thankful are you for getting this experience?

This experience is more than I expected! The club has been great. Coach Rodrigo has a very high coaching I.Q. I’m learning every day. I thank God for putting me in this situation.

Has your overall training and work out regime that you had in the last year helped you be successful with Chemnitz in pre season. How has your training had to have changed with age?

I was worried when I knew I would train with them. I was not in the best shape, however I put my best foot forward. Taking the year off from basketball affected me a little as well. Getting some of the plays down took some time. My basketball brain did not kick in until the third week. My training has stayed the same. It’s the preparation and regeneration that changes. Taking care of your body after practices and games are the keys to staying in it.

You played in the Pro B and Regionaliga as a professional in Germany and now at age 34 in the Pro A. How have you been coping with the speed of the game? Is this one of the biggest differences between the Pro A and Pro B?

 Honestly depending on who you play for there is no difference. However, Coach Rodrigo wants things done the right way. His style of play makes you create more opportunities for the next teammate. I compare it to styles of the euroleague teams. The speed for me is no difference. Playing with a group of guys with a pass first mentality, is something new for me. It’s a better brand of basketball.

In our last interview after losing to Frankfurt in the playoffs in 2016, you stated you hadn´t been too happy with your season as you could have done more offensively. What do you feel would be your biggest strength on the court in the Pro A?

I would say attacking the basket and defending. Most Pro A teams have stronger rosters than a Pro B. I would have to do less offensively on a Pro A team. I will be able to put more energy into defense. Of course, scoring has always been my strength. But, when your on a strong team everyone has their job.

A good fit for you would be to be active with the Chemnitz youth program as a type of mentor. How do you feel could you help young players best on the court?

My overall experience with the game would help. It’s not just about dribbling, defending, shooting and whatever physical thing that’s done on the court. The mental side of the game is just as important. Teaching them how to deal with adversity as well as the game itself would be my main focus.

You have been playing with some talented guys like Jajuan Johnson , Andy Mazurchak and Daniel Mixich at the guard position. The competition level must be very high. How pleased have you been with your effort and efficiency to keep up with these kids?

Andy always jokes with me about them letting me win if we have run, lol. If I have to chase guys who are 10 years or more younger than me, it keeps me in shape. I enjoy it a lot.

It doesn´t matter who I talk with but players are always lauding head coach Rodrigo Pastore. What has impressed you with his coaching style and knowledge of the game.

 He was so close to leading the team to the BBL last season. From the first day I trained with him he expected high level performance. With everything! That means footwork, setting screens, making the right reads and so much more. He prepares very well and really knows the game. He treats every player from young to old the same. If anyone makes a mistake he let’s them know quickly.

If you had to construct your own NBA Rushmore which 4 heads would you chose?

Shaq, Jordan, Lebron and Iverson

Lebron James failed to win his fourth NBA title and is still three away from Michael Jordan. Where does Lebron stand right now in your opinion in the never ending debate of who is the best of all-time?

 People give so much hate to Lebron it’s crazy. Jordan and Lebron are two different players at two different positions. No one compares Kareem and Jordan, but hey what do I know lol. Lebron will shatter all statistical records, but It’s hard to say right now. Ask me in 3 years.

There has been criticism of Russell Westbrook to be focusing more on rebounding to help inflate his stats and possibilities of getting triple doubles instead of focusing on his defensive assignments. Do you feel that this is a fair assessment to the player Russell Westbrook?

People should just allow guys to play and not worry about if he should do certain things. If his coach allows him to play like that, then that’s all that matters.

How do you summarize the 2017 NBA Draft. What sleepers do you see playing a role in the NBA?

 I barely keep up with college these days. But I hope Lonzo Ball does something good.

Where will the journey of the Houston Rockets go this season with Chris Paul and James Harden in the back court. Do they have enough to make a serious run at the title or is something missing?

They both like the ball in there hands, we will see how that works lol

How do you rate the Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade? Who got the better deal and which team will profit better in the long run?

 They both got a good deal. Hard to play with guys if they are not happy

What was the last movie that you saw?

 Before The Bough Breaks.

Thanks Andrew for the chat.