Texas Basketball: Andrew Jones could become the story of 2018-19 season
Andrew Jones has taken the next step in his recovery from a cancer diagnosis as he tries to rejoin the Texas Longhorns program.
Don’t ask Andrew Jones about perspective.
Frankly, there’s no need. He’d likely give a heartfelt, genuine answer to such an inquiry. But when you stare a devastating cancer diagnosis in the face, perspective has a funny way of clarifying itself.
What started as a wrist injury for the Texas Longhorns guard last season quickly became so much more. Jones returned from the injury, only to complain of being extremely fatigued in the following couple of contests.
Tests revealed leukemia.
Suddenly, it wasn’t just about Jones missing practice and games and the rest of the season. It was about moving to Houston to get life-saving treatment. Making it back on to the court would have to be the cherry on top of survival’s cake.
He’s been out of the national news cycle since the college basketball season ended, but the university was finally able to provide positive news regarding Jones on Thursday. They announced his approval to enroll in online summer school and move back into the campus dorms.
Excited to have our guy @DrewdotCash back in the building! #hookem pic.twitter.com/xrAP9OkaBT
— Shaka Smart (@CoachShakaSmart) June 7, 2018
That’s no small step for someone facing their initial cancer diagnosis just five months ago.
His first priority, of course, should be acclimating back to everyday college life. Slowly, Jones will hopefully be able to go back to taking classes, eating in the dining hall, and studying in the library. Nothing is more important than that.
Dreams of playing basketball again will soon follow. Jones has always expressed through social media that he would take the court one day. His battle with leukemia isn’t over yet, though, and even if he was cleared medically, the Austin American-Statesman rightfully points out that he may be academically ineligible.
— Andrew Jones (@Drewdotcash1) May 9, 2018
Still, there’s a ray of hope today that wasn’t there yesterday.
Forget Jones’ impact on the Longhorns’ prestige. This is a kid who was an NBA prospect after his freshman season, yet came back for a sophomore turn that went much differently than expected, to say the least.
Focus on his impact on morale throughout the sport. College basketball suffered through scandal, heartbreak, and loss throughout the 2017-18 season. Recovering from that is going to take time and empowering narratives.
Andrew Jones doesn’t need to shoulder the load alone.
But his return to the court would be the most awe-inspiring, incredible story of the 2018-19 season.
The college basketball community is behind you, Andrew!