Terrence Jones goes up for a shot in the Cats' win over Coppin State Tuesday night at Rupp Arena. (Photo by Bill Thiry / December 28, 2010) |
“Right now, they say it’s just a cold,” he said following Kentucky’s 91-61 rout over Coppin State Tuesday night at Rupp Arena.
Jones became ill following a brief trip to visit family during the Christmas break, but Jones followed orders from the doctor and played a big role for the Wildcats, especially in the second half against the outmanned Eagles.
“I took my medicine before the game and it helped me,” he said afterward.
Jones scored just six points in the first half, but was more impressive during the final 20 minutes. He tallied 12 points and missed just one field goal on seven attempts. Jones grabbed six rebounds, handed out two assists and had one of the team’s seven blocks in the contest. In his first tour of duty in the collegiate ranks, Jones has led the team in scoring six times and has reached double figures in 11 of the team’s 12 games this season.
Like the rest of his teammates, Jones is getting used to his surroundings and likes the way the team is sharing the wealth on offense. Jones and company combined for 21 assists against Coppin State, signifying the team’s ability to play unselfishly, despite being a “young team.”
“We have had a lot of practices and everybody is getting a feel for what each player can do and has the ability to do,” he said. “It is just more fun. We are talking on defense, everybody is getting back and we are getting more blocked shots and rebounds. Everything is more of a team that one person.
“We’re playing well as a team and that’s the best thing we have going right now.”
At various times against the Eagles, Kentucky coach John Calipari inserted a smaller lineup, which Jones doesn’t mind, even though he’s the man in the middle when Josh Harrellson and Eloy Vargas are on the bench. Jones said the look gives the team more options on the perimeter.
“I love it,” Jones said. “Just as I am posting up or getting the ball, I (have) shooters all around me. All of those guys are knock-down shooters and unselfish shooters. If they don’t have it (the open shot), they will swing it to the next guy.”
Jones singled out a sequence during an offensive series against Coppin State when the his teammates “swung it three times to Doron Lamb” in the corner. Lamb, who finished with 17 points, made good on the last pass and swished a wide open basket from the corner.
“We are playing unselfishly and having a lot of fun, compared to the beginning of the season,” he said. “The guys are moving the ball and playing more for an assist than the points. It’s helping the chemistry on defense and on offense.”
As for his own progression, Jones said patience has been a key to his development on the court.
“I’m just taking my time on all of my shots,” he said. “I’ve just been playing at the pace of the game instead of rushing it. Last game, I felt like I was rushing my shots and played faster than I needed to and it really helped me. I’m playing more team ball, helping out on defense and becoming more of a leader.”
Jones hasn’t given much thought about the team’s visit to No. 22 Louisville Saturday, Kentucky’s first visit to the KFC Yum! Center, but expects a close encounter.
“I know it’s a rivalry and I know how much hype is around it,” he said. “I’m ready to be there.”
