Basketball
Purdue basketball’s Lance Jones, in pursuit of NBA dream, works out with Indiana Pacers
Purdue’s Lance Jones discusses NBA workout with Indiana Pacers
Lance Jones had a workout with the Pacers on Tuesday morning and will also work out with the Utah Jazz.
INDIANAPOLIS — When Lance Jones committed to Purdue basketball out of the transfer portal, there were skeptics.
A high-volume shooter from mid-major Southern Illinois didn’t seem to be the missing piece for a team that was on a short list of national title contenders.
What those skeptics didn’t know was that Jones never asked Purdue coaches about NIL. Never asked about potential playing time or a specific role.
Instead, Jones asked Purdue what he could do to help the Boilermakers win basketball games.
Now Jones, who averaged 11.7 points per game and started all 39 games last season for the NCAA runner-up, is asking the same question to NBA executives.
More: Emotions run deep for Purdue basketball’s Lance Jones ahead of senior day
Jones was in Indianapolis Tuesday working out with the Indiana Pacers before heading to the airport to fly to Utah for a scheduled workout with the Jazz.
“The ride that we had as a team at Purdue, it kind of helped me get to this point,” Jones said.
The Pacers have picks No. 36, 49 and 50 in this month’s NBA draft. Utah owns picks 10 and 32. Jones is not projected to be selected.
But he’s hoping, as he did in one season at Purdue, to turn some heads and alter the opinions of anyone skeptical of what he brings to the basketball court.
At Purdue, that varied.
At times he was a lockdown on-ball defender. Sometimes a shooter. Sometimes a ball handler and distributor. And always a high-energy guy.
More: Pacers work out UConn’s Cam Spencer ahead of 2024 NBA draft
“It shows my versatility as a basketball player,” Jones said. “Just doing whatever the team needs. It helped me in the long run.”
There is a certain appeal to Jones for those who go digging deeper.
How he instantly appealed to Purdue’s frenetic fanbase. How he played through a heavy heart after the loss of his father last season. The 152 career starts in college where he scored 1,971 points and made 285 3-pointers.
And how he, in the end, was the missing piece for the Boilermakers.
“When I was in the portal, I was just focused on getting to a winning team and helping that team win,” Jones said after his workout Tuesday. “Whatever came with that came with that.”
What came with it was an opportunity with NBA teams.
“Reaching for the stars,” Jones said. “Going to Purdue was the first step and helped me get in this position.”
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.
20/7/2024 Horse Racing Tips and Best Bets – Rosehill, Winter Challenge day
 "BCCI want Test specialists to play domestic cricket; Rohit, Virat, Bumrah to be exceptions")
BCCI want Test specialists to play domestic cricket; Rohit, Virat, Bumrah to be exceptions
HORSE RACING DAY 5: Andrew Champagne’s picks, analysis, bankroll
HORSE RACING DAY 5: Andrew Champagne’s picks, analysis, bankroll
600 Jobs, 25,000 Seekers: Air India Drive Sets Off Stampede Fear In Mumbai
More Trips, Higher Prices: Business Travel Spending May Finally Top 2019 Levels
Let’s take this offline: why indie fashion boutiques are back in fashion
Blue Jays balance college-heavy Draft with a few high-upside picks
Get to Know Gopher Men’s Basketball’s Frank Mitchell – University of Minnesota Athletics
