The only 2011 signee to hail from the state of Alabama, Dallas Jones spent a season at Lon Morris College before making his way to South Alabama. The New Market, Ala. native averaged 19 points per game at Buck Horn High School and over 13 points per outing in his one season for the Bearcats. The shooting guard spoke with USAJaguars.com about his offseason plans.

When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing when I was 10 years old. At that time I didn’t think I’d get this far. I was playing football at the age of eight, so I was playing football first and basketball came after that. That’s when I found my love for the game.

Tell me about your journey to get to South Alabama
In high school I had a couple of offers that fell through after the season. So I went through a struggle that summer and was looking for a place to go. Lon Morris, a junior college in Texas, called me out of nowhere and said they had a scholarship for me and wanted me to play for them. I feel like that was a blessing because it was the last opportunity for me to do something in basketball. I went down there and did a pretty good job, and Coach (Michael) Floyd had been watching me since I got there and then I came here. It’s really a blessing that I can keep this going.

Why did you choose South Alabama?
When I was in Texas I was too far away from home and I was missing it. This is closer to home. I had a close relationship with Coach Floyd and we talked almost every day. We talked about my grades and he was like an older brother to me.

What do you try to accomplish during the offseason workouts?
I want to get to the next level and I want to be the best that I can be. I want to help my team win and I want to work hard to do that. I want my teammates to see me work hard so they know I’m trying to get better to help the team win.

What is your mindset during the offseason workouts?
I just think about the hard times that I’ve been through and that pushes me to get through the workout.

How do the workouts and pick-up games help the team bond?
It helps us get a good chemistry. We learn what each other can do and what we can’t do. We help each other with our weaknesses to get better at them.

When people watch you play, what kind of player do they see?
They see a big body that’s a really good shooter.

What do you consider to be the strongest part of your game?
My shooting because that’s all I did when I was younger. I would go to the gym and all I would do is shoot, shoot, shoot.

Other than basketball what are some of the things you’re into off the court?
Video games, chilling with my teammates and talking with my family.

What are your expectations of yourself this season?
To work for my minutes and try to get as many as I can, work hard, be the best I can be and see how much I can improve from now until the end of the season.

What does it mean for you to play in your home state?
It means a lot. Everybody there can see me play.

Quick Hits:
Favorite NBA player: LeBron James
Favorite college team growing up: North Carolina
Favorite sport other than basketball: Pro football
Favorite musical artist: Lil Wayne
Favorite class: Math
Favorite movie: All About the Benjamins

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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