Tyrique Jones has been quietly working on adding a new skill to his game, one that he hopes to showcase in the near future. The 27-year-old big man, currently playing for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade in the EuroLeague, recently opened up about his close relationship with his mother, his unforgettable memory as a Partizan fan, and his back-and-forth with head coach Georgios Bartzokas.
Though the majority of Americans were celebrating Thanksgiving on November 28th, Jones, like many American basketball players in Europe, was on the court for his EuroLeague duties. This year, the holiday felt different for Jones as he spent it far from home in Serbia, rather than with his family in Connecticut.
“Thanksgiving overseas is different than being back in America,” Jones told BasketNews. “I called people back home, wished them a happy Thanksgiving. That meal, that atmosphere, isn’t the same when you’re not around your family. Thanksgiving is usually for family. I remember when I was a kid, we’d have like 75 people at our house.”
One of the constants in Jones’ life, despite the physical distance, is his bond with his mother, Petronia “Winnie” Bailey. A strong presence throughout his basketball journey, she remains his daily support system. Before each game, Jones calls his mom for words of encouragement, with their usual exchange being:
She says, “Do your best,” and he responds, “And God will do the rest.”
“I still talk to her every day,” Jones says, “I check in, and she makes sure I’m good. It’s an everyday thing. I try not to go a day without talking with her.”
Back on the court, Jones continues to impress with his signature style, hustling for rebounds and energizing the crowd. But now, he’s also working to add a new skill to his already impressive profile. While he didn’t reveal specifics, Jones hinted at a move he’s been practicing, which he believes will make him even more dangerous in the future. His fans are sure to be excited about what’s coming next.
In addition to his basketball development, Jones also spoke about his time with Partizan and the challenges of playing under coach Georgios Bartzokas. The talented big man has had some intense exchanges with the coach, offering his perspective on the experience.
With his dedication to improvement and his unwavering connection with family, Tyrique Jones is proving to be a player to watch not only for his on-court talents but for his off-court character as well.
