As the basketball season emerges, “Bucky-Ball” is keeping their ambition rolling in hopes to punch their ticket yet again to the NCAA March Madness Tournament.
Considered “The Goat” by his fans, Rylan Jones, a sixth year point guard from Logan, Utah, is the only returning starter for this young team.
Jones was named SoCon Newcomer of the Year, Third Team All-SoCon and Second Team NABC All-District this past year.
Prior to coming to Samford University to continue his basketball career, Jones played at Utah and Utah State.
At the age of four, Jones fell in love with basketball, and it became his whole life. His dad, who helped him grow his love for the sport, was a college basketball coach, so Jones was around the gym a lot.
Fast-forward to Jones’ career at Samford, he has made it his job this year as the leader to relay the culture to the rest of the team.
“The biggest part is to be on the same page,” Jones said.
Jones understands that their team last year was special, and that it will be hard to replicate. Luckily, this team doesn’t have to be the same as last year’s team.
“This team is a hard working team,” Jones said.
The 2024 team has gotten a lot better everyday according to Jones, working with Coach Bucky to get drills done and learn how to be a team.
As the leader of the team, Jones wants them to be the best they can. Not only in the normal season, but he wants to build on to the momentum that started when they entered March Madness for the first time in 25 years.
“We have to climb because people are trying to climb us,” Jones said.
“There’s unfinished business in the big dance,” said Luke Bollier, a junior and fan of the basketball team, who is excited for this season.
When asked what advice Jones would leave with the team, he chose “resilience,” as there will be highs and lows during every season.
Jones’ aspirations after completing his Samford basketball career are to play professionally and hopefully to coach as well.
Staff Writer
