A homecoming for Rylan Jones at the Big Dance
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) – It’s a massive homecoming for Rylan Jones.
The former Olympus High School, Utah Ute and Utah State Aggie is back in Utah with the Samford Bulldogs for the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s unbelievable,” Jones said. “It’s just something that I’m beyond thankful. To be able to be here again and play in the state of Utah another time, I’m just super thankful and happy for this moment.”
When Samford qualified for the NCAA tournament by winning the Southern Conference Tournament title, Jones knew there was a chance he could end up at the Delta Center. But he didn’t want to get his hopes up.
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“Obviously, there was about a one eighth of a chance,” Jones said. “So we could be in Salt Lake City, and we knew we were going to be a 12 or 13 seed. We knew that Salt Lake City was hosting those, and I was just so happy. So much joy, so much excitement just to see your name called, honestly. And then to see your name called to a place where I grew up, I lived, 22 years here. I played a lot of games in this state, high school and college.”
After a stellar career at Olympus, two years at Utah and two years at Utah State, Jones was looking for a place to finish his career. He took a trip to Birmingham, Alabama and fell in love with Samford.
“I was just looking for a coach that really believed in me, and played a fun style of basketball,” Jones said. “And that’s exactly what Coach Bucky is. He believed in me, and he told me he believed in me from that second phone call.”
Jones is averaging 9.4 points and 4.9 assists per game as Samford’s starting point guard.
Jones knows taking on fourth-seeded Kansas on Thursday is going to be a tough task, but the Bulldogs are not just happy to be here. Jones says they want to compete.
“We think we can win every game,” Jones said of the 29-5 Bulldogs. “We’re going to go out there, and we know we can win every game. We’re going to go out there and play hard, be the hardest, toughest, baddest playing dudes.”
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Because this is his home state, Jones is hoping Samford will become the fan favorite at the Delta Center tomorrow.
“For everybody, we want you to be Samford Bulldog fans,” Jones said. “We would love your support. I promise you we’re going to play hard, and we’re going to be fun to watch. We’re going to go out there and compete. I hope you guys are cheering for the Bulldogs.”
Samford and Kansas will be the final game of the night at the Delta Center, tipping off at 7:55 p.m.
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