Kevin Jones is a hard worker, rebounding machine and, more recently, the man driving the engine in Krasnodar. He’s being asked not only to stoke the furnaces, but also fire up the engine. Without minimizing the versatile Mardy Collins’s role, we have to admit that Jones is the main X-factor in Lokomotiv-Kuban’s transformation. He was the star in Krasnodar’s sensational win over CSKA, posting a game-high 21 points and 15 rebounds.
The center’s progress is truly astonishing and demonstrates just how important finding the right team and coach can be for a player. Under Katsikaris, the American was close to being released, and many fans would have been in agreement. But after the Greek departed, Jones became the most important big man in the rotation.
Kevin Jones’s stats before and after Fotios Katsikaris
Prior to Katsikaris’s departure: 2 games, 4.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.0 assists, 0.5 steals, 4.5 efficiency rating
After Katsikaris’s departure: 4 games, 14.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.0 steals, 17.3 efficiency rating
Unlike Fotios Katsikaris, Sasa Obradovic played to the center’s strengths, allowing him to reach his full potential.
Rebounding
Jones’s biggest asset is his ability to battle on the glass. His rebounding prowess has been a symbol of Loko’s resurgence with teammate Andrei Zubkov also playing a big role. The duo has combined for 17 rebounds per game in recent outings.
The game against CSKA was no exception. Kuban’s American center reigned on the boards. Hines, Augustine, Vorontsevich, and Khryapa couldn’t stop or even slow him down. Jones showed his ability to box his men out and jump at the right moment, winning a lot of 50-50 balls as a result.
Shot
For now, Jones doesn’t turn to his shot much. But 3-pointers against Enisey and Tsmoki-Minsk showed that he can hit from long range. For big men (especially centers) that’s an important skill. A lot of teams like to keep an extra man in the paint when the opposing center goes out to the perimeter, but that doesn’t work against Lokomotiv and Jones.
Pick-and-rolls
Against CSKA, Jones didn’t shoot many jumpers. But he showed a wonderful ability to execute in the pick-and-roll. The combination helped Kuban shift the momentum in the 3rd as Jones played a starring role. The American scored on four different possessions (9 points), showing something different each time.
The first pick-and-roll ended with a mid-range jumper. He got the ball away from the basket and decided to prove he’s dangerous from distance instead of driving.
Next, Jones finished a tough lay-up against defensive whiz Kyle Hines.
The Army Men tried to defend against the pick-and-roll by bringing double teams, but that didn’t help much. Kuban did a good job moving the ball and Jones showed he can drop to the basket quickly.
Versatility
Players that can play multiple positions and do different things are especially valuable in modern basketball. Jones is one such player. On the one hand, he can play like a classic center. The American isn’t afraid of contact and loves to bang for rebounds. At the same time, he’s pretty athletic and has no trouble running on a fast break. His ability to shoot makes him even more dangerous. There aren’t many centers in the VTB United League that are a threat from outside.
His shot and speed allow him to play as a power forward. Thanks to his strength, Jones can also push around most opposing 4’s in the paint.
Defense
Jones’s mobility also helps on defense. The American is not as effective blocking shots, like some other more athletic big men. He hasn’t blocked a single shot in six games. But his strengths lie elsewhere. He impacts the game with his ferocious rebounding and footwork on defense.
All of Loko’s recent opponents have struggled on offense. Even CSKA looked shaky attacking the basket. Jones, who’s taken minutes from Kenny Gabriel and Ian Vougioukas, has played a big role.
Points scored per possession by Loko opponents
Avtodor: Against Loko (0.82), Average (0.88)
VEF: Against Loko (0.80), Average (0.86)
CSKA: Against Loko (0.85), Average (1.06)
Jones’s example demonstrates that you should never overreact to a few bad games. Some players need the right role and trust of the coaching staff to reach their potential. VTB League games have released several American players this season. Kenny Gabriel, Justin Carter, Perry Jones III, and Maalik Wayns were supposed to be leaders at their respective clubs, but ended up leaving Russia. Loko’s center, however, got a second chance and he is taking full advantage.
