US guard Haley Jones says first overseas basketball stint in the WNBL can grow her leadership, game as a ‘floor general’

Haley Jones may be the second youngest on Geelong United’s roster but her WNBA experience makes her invaluable to the fledgling WNBL franchise. Plus, how United plan to tackle road challenge.

Geelong United import Haley Jones drives to the basket against UC Capitals. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Import Haley Jones believes her time down under can help develop her as a leader, as Geelong United seek to bounce back against Sydney Flames in their first interstate fixture on Saturday.

At just 23, Jones may be the second youngest on United’s main roster but her two years in the WNBA is invaluable experience for the fledgling WNBL franchise.

Elected to the team’s leadership group, the Californian is averaging 13.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 blocks a game so far, while she’s been United’s leading scorer in two of five games — with captain Keely Froling taking the honours in the other three.

“I think the W, I learned a lot in my first two years, the talent is obviously off the charts but one thing I learnt the most was how to be efficient, trying to work on taking less dribbles, understanding when to get mine (and) when to get my teammates involved,” Jones said.

“Bringing that experience of the W here and trying to really work on my leadership with Chris (Lucas) holds me accountable too, working on being vocal, sharing my knowledge of the game even though I am still one of the younger ones in the team.

“Being here is really helping me grow as a leader, as a floor general, as a scorer.”

Geelong United’s Haley Jones has been a scoring threat in multiple games this season. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Jones said there was mutual respect within the group to help each other improve.

“Dani (Raber) is very straightforward, she’s tells me, you need to shoot that, you need to do this and that and I love getting to learn from them (teammates) as well,” she said.

Lucas described Jones as both a special player and person.

“She’s got some attributes where she can play from 1-4 (position) … she can defend multiple positions and she brings a positivity to the group I’m really rapt with,” he said.

“When I spoke to Haley in the states, I just knew, I’d been watching her for quite a few years and I feel like we can help her grow with her game as well.

“This is her first professional gig overseas, and I have no doubt she’s going to go back (to the US) a better player and grow.

“I want her to enjoy (it) and help embrace this team and help me lead this team to get better every day.”

The versatile point guard has bet on Geelong United’s ability to bounce back from losses as its seeks a winning response to last week’s loss to UC Capitals.

Geelong play interstate for the first time this season against 1-4 Sydney Flames on Saturday night, a week after its 13-point loss to the Capitals.

Both Jones and coach Chris Lucas acknowledged Geelong’s first road game — against ladder-leaders and regional outfit Bendigo Spirit in round 2 — was not their finest performance but felt better prepared a second time.

“Even though we didn’t play well in Bendigo, we didn’t play our best against Townsville (in round 1), I think we’ve shown we can bounce back and turn the page,” Jones said, referencing wins against Adelaide and Southside following each of their losses.

“I think we’re all really excited to learn and get better and we might come in with a chip, and try and get a win on the road.”

Lucas will demand a better performance than Bendigo — United trailed by 29 at half time in the eventual 17-point loss — when dealing with a Flames side determined to arrest a four-game losing streak.

“Our focus this week will be, to get into our bubble and head to Sydney to try and get the job done against another very, very good team who are going to be as desperate as anything,” Lucas said.

• Watch Geelong United v Sydney Flames on 9Now, from 5pm Saturday.
  

Originally published as US guard Haley Jones says first overseas basketball stint in the WNBL can grow her leadership, game as a ‘floor general’