DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 11: Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)Tre Jones’ Duke career might not have ended how he wanted it to, but that doesn’t mean his time in Durham wasn’t a dream come true.
Earlier today, Jones officially announced he was declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft. As a sophomore this season, he earned the ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
But Jones and his teammates did not get a chance to defend their ACC Tournament title, nor did they have the opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament. The ongoing coronavirus crisis led to the cancellation of both events. One year ago, Duke lost in the Elite Eight, leaving Jones just shy of playing in the Final Four in his native Minnesota.
This afternoon, Jones released a heartfelt message to Duke and its fan base. In it, he shared his disappointment with how things ended, but says he got to fulfill a childhood dream playing for the Blue Devils.
“But I can’t think about what didn’t happen. I can only think about what did happen,” Jones said. “What did happen was the amazing experiences, memories and lifelong relationships I gained with my brothers, the knowledge I received from Coach K and all of many coaches and Duke staff to become a better player and man, and the endless support from the Crazies and all the Duke fans.”
THANK YOU DUKE💙 pic.twitter.com/orLhhk4RT6
— Tre Jones (@Tre3Jones) March 21, 2020
You would be hard-pressed to find a family more beloved by Duke fans than the Joneses. Between Tyus and Tre, they gave Blue Devil supporters countless memories.
Now, Tre will get to follow in his brother’s footsteps once again and try his hand in the NBA.
