Austin Longhorns

Texas Guard Andrew Jones Named Big 12 Sportsperson of the Year

I’ve said it since his first game back when he went off for 20 — give Andrew Jones ALL the awards. All the ESPYS. All the Conference accolades. Best Game. Best Individual Performance. Best Comeback. Best Breakthrough Athlete. Best College Athlete. Best Upset. Give Andrew Jones all of them. Because no matter what happens in sports the rest of the year, it would never top that performance.

But it wasn’t just a ‘one hit wonder’ of a game either. After that game, Andrew continued to light it up. He was absolutely relentless each and every night, ending the season averaging 11.5 points on 41% shooting.

Just a giant fuck you to cancer.

When Andrew was diagnosed, he was just 19 years old. His career, hopes, dreams and life all put in jeopardy. Nothing could have been more scary and devastating.

He wasn’t just an a average college athlete or role player either, he was an absolute stud.

As a true freshmen (2017-2018 season) he averaged 11.4 points per game and could have turned pro the following year. However, he opted to return to UT for his sophomore year to help increase his draft stock. He picked up right where he left off; increasing his scoring average, increasing his shooting percentage by 10 percent and increasing his three point percentage average from 32.8% to 46.3%. But after just playing ten games, he was diagnosed with leukemia.

He didn’t shy away from it though. He stared death right in the face.

“The disease cancer has always been my biggest fear. I really had to face my fears. I’ll be optimistic. It’s not my time yet.

Throughout the entire process he constantly posted updates on his social media and even attended games and practices.

I would like to think I’d have that same type of courage and strength, but unfortunately I probably would just seclude myself in a dark room, binge watch Netflix and maybe live tweet The Bachelor on Mondays. I mean I sprained my ankle in September and essentially haven’t gotten off my couch since.

But Andrew isn’t me. He fucking battled and he won.

We’re all witnesses. Thank you for the inspiration and congrats Big 12 Sportsperson of the year! Hook’Em!

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