Charlotte 6-foot-10 center Phil Jones has had an up-and-down season. He greatly improved his conditioning in the offseason and started the year much more confident and efficient on the court as the 49ers got off to a strong start.
In recent games, however, Jones has struggled and appeared to lose much of the confidence in his game he had developed early in the season.
On Wednesday night, he appeared more like the Jones of the early-season as his three jumpers from the foul-line area sparked Charlotte's 13-4 second-half run that have the 49ers a lead they never relinquished in a 74-64 upset of No. 15 Temple.
They key to Jones' turnaround may have come during a heart-to-heart talk this week with Charlotte coach Bobby Lutz.
"I've had a few off the court issues, like some family stuff back home and that was kind of on my mind and sort of the reason I was in a slump," said Jones, who finished the game with eight points, four rebounds and three blocks. "I spoke to coach and he told me there are some things you can't prevent with me being here and stuff happening back home and to focus that energy. That's what I did."
As for his offensive surge in the second-half run, Jones credits point guard DiJuan Harris. "DiJuan said, 'Just keep shooting.' So that's what I did," he said.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Jones key to 49ers' comeback over Owls
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9 comments:
Great win against a quality opponent. GO NINNERS !!!!!
....three jumpers...
Geez dude youre 7' Tall! Dunk the ball!!
And learn to take a charge!!
Those were terrible shots for Phil, those jumpers will only encourage him. He defiantly does need to learn to jump and dunk on the defensive end, stop setting moving screens, and keep his dang feet planted with his arms straight up in the paint on D. You'd think after 3 years of signif experience he'd learn this stuff by now..... on the plus side, the man hits his foul shots!!!!!!! Go to the rack an draw some big man!!!!!
i meant jump and dunk on the Off end..... you'd think after all these years of english....... hahahaha,
How can you say those were terrible shots, they went in! And they were huge in the comeback. Let's not gripe about such things at this point. Let Phil and Coach decide what Phil's game is.
Phil has always been money on those shots. You would think someone who paid attention to this team would know that.
Jones is good in the 15-17' area. he has a nice stroke which is also evident at the free throw line. I'm not saying he should shoot a lot of jumpers, but if his man has to come out to guard him, it will open up the lane. definitely a good thing. but, no 3's for Phil and no 3's for Shamari. need them on the boards! GO NINERS!
while standing 15' from the goal, he cannot rebound. I wish Phil had developed hands, I am so tired of passes feeding the post bouncing off his knees.
My section will tell you, I am not a fan of Phil's, I think he is the best small forward at 7 feet of over. His sweet jumper cannot be denied, it should be used to prevent defenders from leaving him open.
All my crap having been said, I though on the defensive side we were a better team with Phil because he takes up so much space. I didn't hit the boards that hard, he blocked a few nice shots, but his size intimidated Temple.
Awesome NINERS!!!!!
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