Chris Jones talks Valencia, his career and Panathinaikos / News - Basketnews.com

Valencia Basket's guard Chris Jones gave detailed remarks to Greek media. He talked about his team's start, his own career, and Panathinaikos Aktor Athens.

Credit: Valencia Basket/Miguel Angel Polo Credit Valencia Basket/Miguel Angel Polo

Chris Jones of Valencia Basket spoke to SPORT24, giving noteworthy remarks on Valencia's start, expectations, his career, and his thoughts about Panathinaikos Aktor Athens.

Chris Jones

MIN:25.8PTS:11.88 (47%)REB:2.38As:4.25ST:1.63BL:0.13TO:1.63GM:8ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

The guard first started by addressing the comments of Naz Mitrou-Long, who was surprised by Valencia's strong start to the season (5-4).

"Barcelona and Valencia have surprised me more. Especially Valencia. I knew they would be good, but they are outstanding. I really like what happens there," said Mitrou-Long.

When asked if he also thought that Valencia made a stronger start than expected to the EuroLeague, Jones had this to say.

"I wouldn't say I agree. I lean on my teammates, and I feel like we should be where we are. I think it's a surprise to a lot of people because they didn't expect it from us. It's a compliment and insult at the same time," he explained.

"I'll take it as a compliment, though, because I think he meant it. But, like I said, I expected that image from our team, so I'm not surprised at all."

One of the reasons behind Valencia's good start to the season is perhaps the performance of the team's head coach, Alex Mumbru, who, at one point, was rumored to leave the team before the season.

Jones was not a fan of this possibility.

"I have a very good relationship with the coach. One of the main reasons I stayed at Valencia was him, so I was a bit shocked when I heard that. I'm very happy he's here, and he's the reason I'm here too."

Despite a good relationship with the coach and an overall successful start, the guard still believes that the team has some ways to go. Particularly after he was asked about the three-loss streak suffered by his team against Spanish EuroLeague teams both in Europe and the Liga Endesa, Jones commented the following.

Panathinaikos Aktor Athens / Schedule

Panathinaikos Aktor Athens Virtus Segafredo Bologna90-76 Panathinaikos Aktor Athens Valencia BasketThu19:15

"It's early, so it makes sense [to struggle]. We have to keep fighting and doing what we know, our game," he explained.

"Some things didn't go our way, but we're playing in the second, third-best league in the world, the ACB, and you saw that those three defeats came against three good Spanish teams [Real Madrid, Barcelona and Baskonia]."

The star guard then commented on his career and how he progressively became a stronger presence in the EuroLeague after first setting step in 2020 with Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.

"In the EuroLeague, you have to pay a lot of attention to the details," Jones said. "There's serious scouting before the games. Whether you come from lower leagues or you come from the NBA, you have to understand the differences, the spacing, and the rules that apply to the paint. Your reaction time has to be much faster than anywhere else."

On the occasion of the season's first match between Panathinaikos and Valencia, Chris Jones reminisced about the buzzer-beating, game-winning shot he made in the regular season game in Athens last year.

Chris Jones FOR THE WIIIIN against Panathinaikos Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.