Import determined to lift United
Versatile guard Latrell Jones is ready do whatever it takes to help guide Geelong United back to the NBL1 finals in 2024.
The New Orleans native is in his first professional season following an impressive college career at the University of Portland and Nicholls State University, and in his first few games with Geelong he has already thrilled fans with his athletic ability and flashy fast break dunks.
Averaging 23.75 points per game across the four games in the 2024 NBL1 season, Jones has quickly adjusted to the more fundamental style of Australian basketball.
“I’m a smart basketball player,” Jones said.
“I catch on pretty fast, it’s not too much of a difference, probably over in the United States it’s more fast-paced but adjusting and being able to play more fundamentally here has been good.”
Jones has fit into the team seamlessly so far, Geelong United starting its season 2-2 and he is confident the team can string some more wins together after a sensational comeback victory against the Frankston Blues last weekend.
“We really just want to feed off the energy from our past game,” Jones said.
“We just want to focus on one game at a time but hoping to get a win streak going and just continue to feed off that energy.”
The team will need to bring that energy to Dandenong this Saturday night, when they take on the third placed Rangers on the road, with Jones looking to play a role at both ends of the floor.
“My skill set allows me to do multiple things on the court, I’m able to be aggressive on the offensive end, while also being aggressive on the defensive end,” he said.
“Being able to play both sides of the ball, being able to shoot the three, as well as get to the basket and attack the ring, that’s what I can bring to the team.”
ROUND 5 GAME DETAILS
Saturday: Geelong United vs Dandenong Rangers at Dandenong Basketball Stadium. Women tip off 6pm.
Men tip off 8pm.
Games can be streamed at nbl1.com.au