NC State assistant coach Kayla Jones is out here playing for the Greensboro Groove this summer, but she’s still locked in on the Wolfpack.
When GMG Athletics‘ Christian Bateman asked her about Zam Jones heading to Louisville and whether fans might check out because a hometown kid left, Jones didn’t hesitate.
Christian Bateman: “With the departure of Zamareya Jones to Louisville, it can be easy for the fan base to kind of die out because the girl from North Carolina left. So what do people from North Carolina have to cheer for in the NC State team this year?”
Kayla Jones: “Every player on the roster. On paper it probably looks like we’re not going to be the best team — we might be small — but I believe this summer the girls have been working so hard on the track, on the court, and just getting up and down. We’re going to be a team that’s going to run you. And the same way we’re struggling on defense here, I do believe on the other side of NC State they’re going to be just as good. They’re going to be great and they’re going to get it done.”
Basically, Jones is telling fans not to sweat it. Yeah, Zam was a local favorite, but the rest of the roster has been grinding all summer. They’re putting in work on the track and in the gym, and Jones thinks this group is going to push the pace and wear teams down.
She’s also high on the culture Coach Wes Moore has built. With solid returners and a staff that’s been together a long time (including Coach Nikki), Jones believes the work ethic is already there.
So if you’re a NC State fan looking for something to root for next season, Jones says just look at the whole team. They might not be the biggest group on paper, but they’re planning to make up for it with speed and toughness.
Full Transcript:
Christian Bateman (GMG Athletics): Here with Kayla Jones of the Greensboro Groove. First question, Kayla — everyone knows you’re the women’s assistant at NC State. What enticed you to come play this summer for the Greensboro Groove?
Kayla Jones: I didn’t even know the opportunity was going to present itself. It just happened, honestly. I think Coach posted about it on Instagram and she reached out to my agent. I’ve been constantly in the gym working in the weight room, and when the opportunity presented itself I thought, “Okay, let’s give it a try.”
Christian Bateman: You’ve been in the coaching world for a couple years now. What has it been like to pick up a basketball and get back to playing in an actual game?
Kayla Jones: It’s been good. I do see where my players be like, “Ah, I’m tired on this play,” but hey, we can’t make any excuses, right? It’s been good to get back into that rhythm and the groove of just playing ball again.
Christian Bateman: From a coaching side of things, you’re now 1-4 against the Charlotte Crown. Defensively, what can you do to slow down the Charlotte Crown team?
Kayla Jones: Limit them to one-and-done. That’s it. Offensive rebounds — they killed us, and I take a huge part in that, like boxing my man out or just getting a play finished. And then just guarding the ball, helping our guards whether it’s on ball screens and getting back into the play.
Christian Bateman: With the departure of Zamareya Jones to Louisville, it can be easy for the fan base to kind of die out because the girl from North Carolina left. So what do people from North Carolina have to cheer for in the NC State team this year?
Kayla Jones: Every player on the roster. On paper it probably looks like we’re not going to be the best team — we might be small — but I believe this summer the girls have been working so hard on the track, on the court, and just getting up and down. We’re going to be a team that’s going to run you. And the same way we’re struggling on defense here, I do believe on the other side of NC State they’re going to be just as good. They’re going to be great and they’re going to get it done.
Christian Bateman: Coach comes from Maryville, then goes to Chattanooga, comes to NC State. What is it that keeps Coach Wes Moore’s teams together and makes them play their best?
Kayla Jones: The people he recruits. It’s great people in the locker room. They love each other. They play hard together. And then even his coaching staff — he has a great coaching staff. He got Coach Nikki, who’s been with him about 18 years or so plus, and then you have his other assistants that are great coaches as well. They get in the gym with the girls, and everybody that’s on the staff, whether it’s our support staff, our athletic trainer, our strength coach — like everybody plays a huge role in the success at NC State.
Christian Bateman: All right, Kayla, last question. You’re from Janesville, now Martin County High. What was it like to don the Riverside uniform, and what’s it going to take for high school girls basketball to be preeminent in Eastern North Carolina once again?
Kayla Jones: I would just say continue to stay in the gym. If you really want to play, it’s not just picking up the basketball and trying out for the team and then thinking you’re good. No, it’s constantly working, whether it’s in practice, outside of practice, or in your backyard. I grew up putting cones on the side of the street on Old 64 and doing dribbling drills, or in my backyard playing against my guy cousins. So it’s just constantly working, and even when you get older you never stop.
Christian Bateman: This has been GMG Athletics with Kayla Jones.
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