When Robert Jones saw the New York Knicks lift the NBA title in June, the image of guard Jalen Brunson hugging his father‑coach stuck with him. He instantly thought of his own son, Justin, and sent the screenshot as a reminder of the dream they share: winning a championship together.
Local roots, family tradition
Justin Jones is starting his freshman year as a guard for Norfolk State University, the program he grew up watching and the coach he has known his whole life. “I’ve been here all my life,” he said. “I’ve seen everything, so when we first started, I was doing the drills I’d watched my dad do.”
Although this is Justin’s first official season on the roster, he is no stranger to the Spartans. He spent years on the bench, absorbing the work ethic and intensity required of a Division I player. “I know what’s expected and how hard we have to work to become champions,” he explained, calling his father’s guidance a “cheat sheet” for success.
Earned, not given
Robert made one thing clear before Justin joined the program: nothing would be handed to him. “If you play well, you’ll start or at least be in the rotation. If you don’t, you’ll be by the water cooler—that’s just what it is,” the senior said. Justin embraced that philosophy, saying, “I know he’s not going to give me anything. The players understand that too. He never gives anyone anything.”
The approach is already paying off. Justin finished the preseason as Norfolk State’s third‑leading scorer, earning a starting spot for the regular season. Despite being a first‑year player, his teammates voted him a captain, a vote he says fuels his work ethic even more. “Being a captain makes me work harder, knowing my teammates chose me to lead,” he said.
Father’s pride, coach’s confidence
Robert praised his son’s effort, noting that his work ethic and energy are evident on the court. “His shooting, scoring, intensity—his teammates see it,” he observed. The head coach echoed that sentiment, saying Justin’s exposure to a winning culture, even from the bench, has helped him tremendously.
On Monday, Justin will step onto Echols Hall for his first college game. “I’m really excited,” he said. “I’ve been happy all week. I can’t wait for it.” For Robert, hearing his son’s name called will be a special moment, and he plans to stay focused on the game rather than the applause. “If he scores 40 points, I’ll be thrilled, but I won’t get enamored with the hype,” he added.
Looking ahead
The Joneses hope this season marks the start of a long, successful journey together—filled with buckets, banners, and memories they’ll cherish. “We want to win championships together,” Justin said. “It’s a surreal moment to win with a family member, and I want to look back as a winning duo while also becoming a better man.”
Norfolk State and rival Regent open the season at 8 p.m. Monday night at Echols Hall.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
