Basketball

Leukemia defeated: Bulls bring in former top talent

The Kapfenberg Bulls get reinforcement(Bild: GEPA)

Andrew Jones was considered a hot candidate for a successful NBA career early on. But a stroke of fate struck him in college. In future, the Texan will be shooting hoops in Kapfenberg.

The Kapfenberg Bulls announced the signing of US-American Andrew Jones (27) yesterday. The 1.93 meter tall Texan has an eventful past behind him: He was already considered a huge talent in his youth and was on several high school all-star teams. In 2017, he had the opportunity to make the leap to the NBA after his first year of college. However, Jones decided to stay at the University of Texas.

Fight against blood cancer
A few months later, he contracted leukemia, beat the disease and fought his way back into top-class sport. The US sports channel ESPN even dedicated a short TV documentary to his fight against cancer four years ago.

In recent years, Jones has played in Germany and France. He can play in all wing positions and will strengthen the Bulls for the time being until the end of the season - with an option for a further year. "Andrew has a great personality, is a hard worker and will give this team stability," says coach Klym Artamonov, convinced of his new player.

Best scorer leaves
In return for Jones, the Bulls gave up their best shooter of the current season: Armani Chaney is moving to Mexico. It will not be the last transfer for Kapfenberg, who have recently suffered five defeats in a row. The next league game is not until January 31 (7 p.m.) at home against the Traiskirchen Lions.