Tyree Jones (190-G) is a 190cm guard from Harlem that is looking to begin his professional career overseas. He began his college career at Keystone College (NCAA3) averaging 12.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 35.8%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 58.0%. He then played 3 seasons at Gwynedd-Mercy College (NCAA3) playing 74 games and averaging 5.4ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 40.2%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 66.7%, 3.6ppg, 1.9rpg and broke out as a senior averaging 12.4ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 70.8%. He is taking part at the Howard Hoops Pro Combine in Milan, Italy. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Tyree Jones for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball treating you?

At this moment in my life I’m very level headed. Just taking life for what it is and getting by day by day. As far as basketball, I’m in a mental state where I’m just blessed to have the ability to still play this game. I’m better than I was when I first was asked this question 3 years ago. I’m a better shooter, playmaker, way better defender, and increased my IQ level. With all of that, I now have the opportunity to play in Italy because of Coach Ron Howard, so basketball is treating me well.

You will be taking part at the Howard Hoops Pro Combine in Italy. How excited are you to come overseas and show your skill?

Excited is an understatement, I’m ecstatic, I’m grateful and prepared. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, all the hours and long training sessions come together at this combine.

How did you find contact with Ron Howard? Was it more through guys you know in finding information online?

The way I got in contact with Coach Ron was through Instagram. We were following one another on the Instagram app for a couple of months before we actually started communication.

How thankful are you for having found Ron Howard? He has been helping guys get jobs overseas for a decade.

I’m very thankful for finding contact with Ron Howard. Coach Ron is very helpful and he’s dedicated to his craft. The best thing to me is how much he enjoys seeing his kids and players win. His love for the game outweighs his love for money.

What do you appreciate most about him? He is a guy that lives and breathes basketball and wants to give the underdog a shot.

The thing I appreciate the most about Coach Ron is his communication. He is very straightforward and honest.

You’re from Harlem, New York. Did you have a tough childhood? Talk a little about what life was like as a kid?

To be honest, growing up in the toughest neighborhood in Harlem was fun, family oriented, a lot of sports, parties and family cookouts. This was my mentality while growing up because that’s all I knew. Looking from the outside in, I now realize it was unsafe, very dangerous, a lot of negativity, terrible influences, guns and fights, etc. Growing up in Harlem definitely made me strong, tough, sharp on my feet, aware and hungry for better and success.

What experiences have you got from Rucker Park? Did you ever see any famous ballers or play pick-up with famous guys?

I have many experiences at Rucker Park. Rucker park is always a great time. I play pick up games against famous, ex NBA players and former pros all the time.

You’re coming out of school and looking to turn professional. Coming overseas is no cake walk. Have you looked around to get tips from guys who have played overseas? Do you know guys that have played overseas?

All I do is research and watch films on current and ex- overseas players. I have many friends and peers who are overseas, NBA g- league and even current NBA players. I call them from time to time for professional tips and insight.

With what kind of expectation and what are your goals coming to Italy to play against mostly pro players in the combine?

My goals are to compete to the best of my abilities. Get the opportunity to play with other pros in front of great coaching staff and agents, and connect with others from other places in the world.

Let’s talk a bit about your game. If you had to describe your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’ve been compared to Jrue Holiday. I can shoot well, rebound the ball as if I was 6 ‘7, I can guard positions 1- 4, I get to the rim easily because of my speed and big guard body frame. I also can be a playmaker at a high level.

You’re a 190cm guard. What really stands out at first glance is your rebounding ability. Have you always been a good rebounder or has that developed over time?

I’ve always been great at rebounding. The main reason is because growing up in the city we played basketball games where there were 5-10 players in a game that was every man for themselves, which means in order to get the ball you have to get a rebound.

Talk about your strengths. You can really fill the stat sheet. How big is versatility in your game?

Versatility is very important to me because of my experiences with basketball. When you are a versatile player you can adapt and have more opportunities to play. The more versatile a player is, the more roles you can fill on a team.

What kind of defender are you now and what kind of defender do you want to become?

I am a smart and strong defender. I slide my feet and use my core and legs to bump offensive players off their spots. I don’t average a lot of steals because I don’t reach, I stay home and solid.

What is a hidden talent in your game that isn’t noticed right away on the court?

My hidden talent in my game that isn’t noticed right away is my physical strength.

In what areas of your game are you working on most at the moment so you can continue to grow as a player?

Currently I’m working on all aspects of my game . Mid range , catch and shoot, off the dribble, P&R plays. I do this to not limit myself. I train like this so I can be able to fill in any role throughout the games I play.

You began your career at Keystone College (NCAA3) averaging 12.2 ppg,4.5rpg,2.5apg,1.1spg, FGP: 35.8%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 58.0%. What memories do you have from that season? What was your fondest moment there?

I remember about 90% of the games I played, fully. As a freshman, with being my first year playing college basketball, the best memories came from away games and traveling, win or loss.

You then went to Gwynedd-Mercy College (NCAA3) reaching the CSAC final. What memories do you have of that run?

It’s a great feeling to win, high emotions running through my mind when your hard work truly pays off right before your eyes.

You made a huge jump in your senior season averaging 12.4ppg,6.1rpg,2.0apg,1.2spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 70.8%. How did your game grow that season?

I worked at my game consistently. First one in the gym and last one out. These stats are from the overall season, my in conference stats are high in every category. That means when it counted, and games were most important, I showed up for my team and helped as much as needed and as much as I could.

Who won a 1-1 in practice, you or Shane Ford?

I won every time because of my competitiveness, I wouldn’t leave the practice until I won, if I were to lose.

How did head coach John Baron groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I would honestly say that his coaching ways, the multiple on court restrictions, and the one mistake limit he had on me made me the player I am. It sharpened my tools and forced me to play more of a mistake free play style.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

The toughest player I would say is Ty Jerome, he played at Virginia, and now the Golden State Warriors. We played against each other junior year high school then later played together AAU for the Riverside Hawks.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

My brother, Younger brother 2. Quintin Dixon 3.Don Spencer 4.Khalid Miller 5.Justin Collins 23.

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

NO SPECIFIC ORDER 1. Kobe 2. Shaq 3. Lebron 4. Bird 5. Jordan

Who is your GOAT and why?

LEBRON James is the greatest of all time, due to accolades and stats. Also his work and impact off the court. My favorite player of all time is Chris Paul.

Did you see the sequel of the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left alone?

It was horrible , they should’ve left it alone.

Thanks Ty for the chat.

Tags : TYREE JONES, GWYNEDD-MERCY COLLEGE, GERMAN BASKETBALL