Joe Jones and Greg Oden

Men's Basketball

A Brother's Guidance

Joe Jones III and brother Greg Oden know something about basketball

Leading up to opening night of the 2020-21 Georgia State men's basketball season, each member of the roster will be featured on a different day with a story, video, and social media elements. We continue the series today with sophomore Joe Jones III who enjoyed a solid freshman season with the Panthers.

A lot of young basketball players will look to NBA players for influence on their game. Some may even be fortunate to get some advice from a player in the league. Very few can say that they can take guidance from a former No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft – however sophomore Joe Jones III is one of those select few.

Jones' brother Greg Oden was taken No. 1 overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2007 NBA Draft after a remarkable season at Ohio State where he led the Buckeyes to the Big Ten Championship and a runner-up finish in the NCAA Tournament.

Despite an age difference between the two, Joe watched what his big brother Greg did 13 years ago and used that for guidance on and off the basketball court.

"I definitely got my toughness from my pops, but overall, it would have to be my brother Greg who went overall No. 1 in the NBA Draft," said Jones of the influence on his game. "It really doesn't get any better than that.

"People love to ask me questions about Greg, but at the end of the day, I just think it is normal – he's my brother. He put in so much hard work so when he went No. 1, I really just felt like he deserved it."

His "pops" Joe Jones Jr., played at West Virginia NAIA school Fairmont State and produced a remarkable career himself. Basketball truly does run in the family.
In Jones' freshman year he made a name for himself as well, earning 23 starts and playing in all 32 games for the Panthers. As he got more comfortable with the speed of the game he saw his numbers go up and with hard work despite the pandemic over the last seven months, looks to continue that upward trajectory this season.

"Greg and I talk from time to time, but it really isn't about the pressure of playing or anything with the game. When we talk now it is more about family stuff. I have watched him work plenty over the years and I know what I need to do to improve upon."

Jones saw flashes of brilliance in his first season, including multiple games just missing out on double-doubles. With a passion for the game, a solid work ethic, and a love of reading (more on that next time), it should surprise no one if he makes a name for himself just like his brother and father did before him.
 
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Players Mentioned

Joe Jones III

#23 Joe Jones III

C
6' 9"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Joe Jones III

#23 Joe Jones III

6' 9"
Sophomore
C