Carlik Jones: “I Deserved to Be in the NBA, but That’s Life”
After competing with the South Sudan National Team in the Olympics this summer, Carlik Jones became one of the most talked-about players in basketball. The 26-year-old star, who recorded a triple-double in a friendly against Team USA, was linked with several NBA teams during that period.
However, Jones ended up signing with Partizan over the summer, stepping into the world of EuroLeague basketball. Speaking to Eurohoops, Jones reflected on his experience so far with Partizan, having made his EuroLeague debut in an away game against Baskonia.
Jones spoke highly of his new coach, Zeljko Obradovic:
“Coach is truly someone special. He’s a legend, and I’m learning more and more from him every day. Everywhere we go, you can see how much love he gets, which shows just how special he is. He pays a lot of attention to detail, and in today’s basketball, not many coaches are as detail-oriented as he is. He really values every little thing. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish under his leadership.”
Jones also commented on EuroLeague stars Shane Larkin and Mike James:
“Shane Larkin and Mike James have both played in the NBA, and they’re both great players. Mike James has been one of the best players in EuroLeague for years, and Larkin too. I have a lot of respect for their game and what they’ve done in the EuroLeague. I’m really looking forward to competing against them and seeing how I measure up.”
Before joining Partizan, Jones had brief stints with the Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets in the NBA, playing in just 12 games.
Jones believes he deserved more opportunities in the NBA:
“I didn’t get to play many games in the NBA, and now I’m here with Partizan, which I’m very excited about. Honestly, I didn’t get the chances I wanted in the NBA. Did I deserve to be in the NBA? I think so. Did I deserve more playing time while I was there? Again, I think so. But things like this happen in life. Now, I’m with Partizan, and I’m really happy here. I’m playing in a place where I’m wanted, appreciated, and respected. That means a lot to me.”
Jones also reflected on his Olympic experience with the South Sudan National Team:
“I can’t wait to play in the next World Cup and Olympics. It was such a fun experience. A lot of people underestimated us and even said we didn’t deserve to be at the Olympics. But we proved them wrong with our play. Even though I’m happy we put South Sudan on the map, qualified for the Olympics for the first time, and got our first win, I wanted more. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, but it was still an amazing experience. I’m focused on achieving more with the national team.”
