Terrence Jones

I would like to start off by thanking with love those who started me off on this beautiful game -- my family, especially Aunt Ava. Then Earl Channey for the rules of 5 on 5 and Cameron and Gary Reynolds -- without Sisco kids for us and upperclassman I wouldn’t have grown to know AUU. I’d like to thank “Doc” Robert Phillips and Reggie Guyton who created Inner City All-Stars. They helped me believe in my skill set as a guard and that dreams could come true for a kid without any financial support from the hood to be able to showcase his talent. I also would like to thank Mike Mangum and Jahaad Norman for believing in my point guard skills and bringing national attention to my middle school career. I’m also thankful for my high school programs for the opportunity to earn scholarships and be ranked the #1 player in the country on the West Coast; also, Freddy Jones with Team Jones and Ime Udoka with I-5 elite. For all these teams I cannot forget about my teammates. Now I get to join the best conference in Oregon the P.I.L. I dreamed of this journey being a fan and student of the game watching great Jefferson teams before me like the class of 2000 to rivalry games like Grant vs. Benson.

I can’t forget to recognize being inspired by the women P.I.L basketball teams as well. The Erica Mashia’s, Janita Badons, the Brittany Davis’s and Simone Blises of the world. My journey started in the 8th grade summer with Paul “Dupper” Kelly and Marshall Haskins as young hungry kids deciding to go to the same school.  Alexander Johnson, Rashaad Dent, Noah Kone, Terrence Ross and Terrence Jones didn’t have good dreams but great ones -- and knew anything was possible. We as a group of freshmen committed to the Demos not knowing what to expect in stepping onto campus, only that we came to be in Jefferson’s history and not to let it be a mystery.  

YOU KNOW -- I have to thank the community and wonderful teachers who prepared me for life-- Ms. Novinger and Ms. Tshonis. The trainers in my life as well, from Andre Lawrence to Sam Thompson.  Thank you to everyone that helped me from SEI to the Boys and Girls Club.  I lost great people who were with me during my career -- R.I.P Neil Blasteingain, to R.I.P Rob in the teen room and lastly, Ms. Adear. Thank you, Tony Hopson, for helping change my life. And thanks to the staff Jimmy, Jermain, Dale Boa, Richard Fortson, Trent Gay, Marshall Haskins, Damon Stoudamire and finally head coach Pat Strickland.  Lastly, I acknowledge Phil Knight and Michael Jordan for believing in me and our program and Sean Marks. R.I.P. KOBE.    

‍