Former Duke Basketball Star Continues to Prove Worth Alongside 'Wemby'

Duke basketball product Tre Jones is making a strong case with his play to be Victor Wembanyama's long-term running mate.

Former Duke basketball guard Tre Jones / Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

When Victor Wembanyama began his rise to superstardom in San Antonio under Gregg Popovich, it remained to be seen what players would work best with the 7-foot-4 rookie phenom. If recent games are any indication, it seems a former Duke basketball guard may just be a perfect option.

After starting in 65 of the 68 games he appeared in last season for the Spurs, two-year Blue Devil treasure Tre Jones was relegated to a bench role to start the 2023-24 season as Popovich tinkered with lineups to see who would fit well alongside Wembanyama.

But since the beginning of the calendar year, the 24-year-old Jones has worked his way back into the starting lineup and has appeared to be a perfect piece next to the French newcomer.

Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers served as another prime example. Jones, fresh off a triple-double just five days prior against the defending champion Denver Nuggets, produced another near triple-double outing in a 133-126 home overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers (44-35).

The former second-round selection in 2020 played 48 minutes for the Spurs (19-59) and finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. He also added two steals while shooting 8-for-17 from the floor.

thru traffic! pic.twitter.com/sVJmVKSW18

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 8, 2024

That performance is another in a recent string of solid outings for Jones, who is averaging 9.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game across his 73 appearances this season. 

While the Spurs have long been eliminated from playoff contention, this period is crucial for younger players like Jones who are looking to cement roles for the franchise moving forward as San Antonio looks to accelerate its rebuild and contend in the coming years.

nothin' but the bottom! pic.twitter.com/1jcn84R4j1

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 8, 2024

Jones, who signed a two-year, $20 million contract to stay in San Antonio this past July, will have at least one more season in silver and black before the NBA Blue Devil is faced with free agency once again.

But if the former Duke basketball standout can continue to produce at the same level of his recent performances, he might just be in San Antonio for many more years to come.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI for more updates on NBA Blue Devils and other Duke basketball news.