Robert Jones (208-F-2001, college: Iowa St.) is a 25 year old 208cm forward playing his third professional season and first in Germany with PS Karlsruhe. Last season he played with Imortal Luzigas Albufeira (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 9.1ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 48.2%, FT: 41.5%. He played his rookie season with Hubo Limburg United (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 3.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg. He began his basketball career at Prior Lake high school and then played 2 seasons with Denver University (NCAA) averaging 9.0ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 57.8%, FT: 43.6% and 9.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 53.8%, FT: 57.1%. He then played 3 seasons at Iowa State University (NCAA) playing 104 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 7.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.3%, FT: 51.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Robert for talking to germanhoops.com. After playing in Belgium and Portugal, now your in Germany playing for Pro A team PS Karlsruhe. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization?
It´s been great. It´s a cool club with a good group of guys. We have two great coaches and a great supporting cast with the staff. There are all good people here.
The team began slow losing 4 of 5 games, but now have a 2 game winning streak. What were the reasons for the slow start and what has gotten better in the last 2 games?
I never want to blame losing on a lack of personal. We had a lot of injury problems at the start. We got guys back and that helped cause positive momentum. We are getting through it and still figuring it out.
What has it been like playing for head coach Demond Greene? Did you know that he grew up playing with Dirk Nowitzki and also played with him in the German national team?
I knew that. That is one of the reasons why I decided to play for this organization. He is a smart coach that knows how to elevate his players.
What has it been like being teammates with German veteran Maurice Pluskota? Does he hold the team together?
He does a really good job of leading the team. He takes a lot of pride in being a veteran. He helps me add various tidbits to my game. He also does a really good job making sure that all are in a good mood.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 208cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?
I think that a good comparison is Joakim Noah. I would like to get to becoming like a Jokic. At the moment I would compare myself to a Isaiah Hartenstein.
You’re a big that can score and grab rebounds. What exactly is your role on the team?
I came to sets screens and be that defensive anchor. I´m also here to get guys open and not open when I´m on defense.
Your also a player that can make an impact on the defensive end. Would you classify yourself as a 2 way player?
I don´t like the word two way player. I have always believed that one should play both sides. You should be a two way player anyway. I take pride on the defensive end.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
At the moment I´m focusing most on jump shots and just taking mid range and three point shots with confidence.
Last season you balled with Imortal Luzigas Albufeira (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 9.1ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 48.2%, FT: 41.5%. You picked up your game in the last few months. You had a good game against FC Porto. What was your fondest moment in Portugal?
I really enjoyed the comradery on the team. Most guys were young on the team. We all got a long. The other thing that I enjoyed was finally finding my groove near the end of the season. I hadn´t played for a year after my rookie season in Belgium. I became a 20/8 player and that felt really good.
You had a brief rookie season with Hubo Limburg United (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) playing 4 BNXT League averaging 3.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg; and played 3 FIBA Europe Cup games averaging 5.7ppg, 1.7rpg. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
It wasn´t really too bad. After I graduated from college, I spent a week in Athens, Greece, so I had gotten that first feel of what it was like overseas. I guess my real wake up call was when the coach was yelling in Dutch and I had no idea what he was saying.
You had a brief stay in Belgium. How tough were these first few months? What did you learn from this situation?
I learned that as an American you have to be able to score the ball. If you don´t do it, it will be tough for a coach or GM to find value in you. I learned to take pride in finishing at a high level. You have to be able to capitalize on the opportunities.
You began your NCAA career with Denver University (NCAA) averaging 9.0ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 57.8%, FT: 43.6% and 9.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 53.8%, FT: 57.1%. What kind of a player did you become under head coach Rodney Billups?
Coach Billups made me be unselfish and play for my teammates and get everyone together outside the court. I learned a lot to be that first like being the first in the gym or the first to get a loose ball. I learned these were things useful for a winning culture.
You had big games against CS Fullerton, Dixie State and Omaha. What was your fondest moment on the court there?
I think my two fondest moments there was my first game or my second game back from injury in my second year.
You then played 3 years at Iowa State University (NCAA) averaging 2.9ppg, 2.4rpg, : 5.7ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 47.1%, FT: 40.3%, and 7.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.3%, FT: 51.0%. You reached 3 March Madness and went far in your first and third. What was your sweetest run`?
The first and third were special, but I would say that the first was more special simply, because we overachieved whereas the second one we underachieved.
You had many great games like against Kanas State and Iowa. What was your favorite own game?
The Iowa game was my favorite game as they were our rival. We destroyed them at home. It was nice doing it in my last year. I played really well and my team won.
How did head coach TJ Otzelberger groom and prepare you for a professional career?
He did a really good job conditioning his players not to worry about ref decisions. He gave us that mind set that bad calls happen and one should get over it and get on to the next play. He also taught me to play with poise.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tre King?
In the post I won and anywhere else he did. It always depended on the day.
Who is the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
Christian Braun and Chet Holmgren
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Tre Jackson, Hason Ward, Gabe Kalscheur, Ade Murkey, Dawson Garcia
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
Kevin Durant, Tracey McGrady, Michael Jordan, Shaq
Who is your GOAT?
Michael Jordan
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
I didn´t see it.
Thanks Robert for the chat.
