Chris Jones calls Valencia his home, talks about Mumbru's departure / News - Basketnews.com

Valencia Basket star Chris Jones said that the team is his home and reflected on Alex Mumbru's sacking.

Credit: Juan Navarro/GettyImages Credit Juan Navarro/GettyImages

Chris Jones is arguably the most important offensive player for Valencia Basket, helping the team almost make it to the EuroLeague post-season both this year and the year before.

Chris Jones

MIN:26.06PTS:12.94 (53.45%)REB:2.16As:4.22ST:1.25BL:0.03TO:1.72GM:32ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

However, things did not go Valencia's way this season as they suffered a 69-98 blowout loss to LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in Round 33, were eliminated from play-in contention, and coach Alex Mumbru was sacked as a result.

In remarks to Meridian Sport, ahead of the Round 34 game between Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and Valencia, Chris Jones talked about his team's future in the EuroLeague, Mumbru's sacking, and stated that he views Valencia as his home.

"That match was very important. If we had won, we might have been in the playoffs, but the defeat ended our chances [and] other teams won," explained Jones about the loss to ASVEL.

"It's difficult, but we want to go out on the field and show that we still belong in the EuroLeague, although the chances are 'slim,'" Jones said in reference to the fact that Valencia's spot for next season is not guaranteed.

"You already know that there is talk that Valencia will not be in the EuroLeague. We do not get into that; we are just preparing for the games that [await] us."

Then, Jones talked about Alex Mumbru, with whom he had worked since the beginning of the 2022-23 season.

"He is the man who brought me, believed in me, allowed me to be who I am, gave me the keys to the team..." the guard stated. "It's difficult. He tried to build something, but it didn't go according to plan."

Business is like that; you have a relationship with someone, and it just ends like that. I don't mean in terms of communication; the business part of basketball is like that... I wish him all the best," he noted about Mumbru, wishing him nothing but the best.

In spite of the uncertainties that currently surround the club, Jones does not dwell on them and maintains his idea that Valencia is his home, notwithstanding the possibility that it may not be in the EuroLeague in later seasons.

"I don't think about that at all. Last year, I extended my contract for three years, this is the first, and I have two more years of my contract with Valencia," Jones said.

"That's what I'm focused on right now. I don't think ahead; I've said that in previous interviews. I don't care if we play in the EuroLeague or the EuroCup: Valencia is my home, and I'm happy here," he concluded proudly.

While the season has been a disappointing one for Valencia, the American guard has been one of the team's strongest players. He is averaging 12.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game for 13.7 PIR.

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