Richard Bland Names Ryan Jones Athlete of the Week

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. -- Richard Bland College freshman men's basketball standout Ryan Jones/Smithfield has been named the Athletics Department's Athlete of the Week for the period January 30-February 5.  The 5-11 guard helped the nationally-ranked No. 18 Statesmen (16-5, 10-3 Region 10) to an 82-65 Region 10 road win at No. 20 Bryant & Stratton on Jan. 31.

Jones scored a season-high 16 points against the nationally-ranked Bobcats, adding four rebounds, three assists and a team-high three steals.  He was 6-9 from the field, including 1-2 on three-point field goals, and 3-3 at the free throw line.

Jones has started 16 of 21 games this season, averaging 6.6 points, 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 21.4 minutes, while shooting 48% (52-109) from the field, including 27% (9-33) on three-pointers, and 74% (26-35) at the free throw line.  He adds 27 steals and one block, while posting season-highs of 16 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and four steals.

Please see below for a brief Q&A on his Athlete of the Week selection.  Athletes of the Week are chosen by members of the Richard Bland Athletics Department.

Q: How does it feel to be named Richard Bland Athlete of the Week?
RJ: It feels good because it feels like all of my hard work is paying off.

Q: How did you get started in your sport and how long have you played?
RJ: I started playing basketball when I was about six years old.  My parents signed me up for a recreational league and I haven't stopped playing since.

Q: What do you like most about your team?
RJ: I like how close we are as a team and how well we get along off the court. 

Q: Who is your funniest teammate/why?
RJ: Brandon Henry.  He has the best jokes on the team.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals/superstitions?
RJ: I go to the gym and get shots up during the day, and just come ready to play.

Q: What is your favorite place on campus/why?
RJ: Statesman Hall.  I have the most fun on the court playing basketball.