Tre Jones: We're more of an assist team this year

Sophomore PG talks layups, assists

Point guard Tre Jones talked about his improving ability to make layups, something Coach K praised in his season-opening press conference.

“For sure, I’m better now than I was a year ago,” Jones said. “Definitely, the jump from high school to college with shot blockers and rim protectors, I’m more comfortable now knowing what to practice and how to work on that part of my game. It will definitely help me finish more.”

Jones knows that finishing more is something the team will depend on him to do.

“Being able to finish more draws the defense, and more guys are open,” he said.

Jones didn’t think he was missing an unusually high number of layups last year, although he did get them blocked in practice on occasion.

He still does.

“I get a couple blocked every now and again,” he said. “I have an ongoing thing with Justin Robinson. He’s probably the best shot blocker on the team. Working on finishing over and around him has helped.

Coach K also said Jones’ assist numbers may go up this year, since last season, the top scorers were better able to create shots on their own, which reduced their need to get fed a pass in scoring position.

“I’ll have more of a position to set them up in a position to score,” he said. “Last year, we had guys that could create a shot for themselves whenever they wanted. With this team this year, not that the guys couldn’t do that, but their games aren’t really like that so much. It’s more of a pass the ball and cut. We’re more of an assist team this year.”