American big man Tyrique Jones might become one of the most requested names on the EuroLeague market in the upcoming summer. There's already interest from Italy and Greece for him
American big man Tyrique Jones just reached the EuroCup final with Turk Telekom Ankara after defeating Ukrainian side Prometey on the road. Jones was among the main protagonists of the victory, finishing with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
In his first season in EuroCup, Jones is putting up some impressive numbers, averaging 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 assists per game.
These performances are drawing the attention of several suitors, especially from the EuroLeague market.
One of the clubs showing a certain level of interest in Jones is the Italian team Virtus Segafredo Bologna, multiple sources have told BasketNews.
The American big man will have a chance to secure a spot in the top European competition with Turk Telekom in the EuroCup final, but even if he won't be able to do it, there's a growing feeling that he'll end up with a EuroLeague club regardless, sources told BasketNews.
Tyrique Jones is set to receive interest from multiple EuroLeague clubs, including Greek powerhouse Olympiacos, a source told BasketNews.
Although Virtus still don't have the guarantee of playing in the EuroLeague next season (a final answer will arrive only in June), they're operating under the impression that they'll continue in the top European competition.
Jones' profile is considered attractive for Virtus since the player already has experience in the Italian league.
Before joining Turk Telekom Ankara, Jones played in Italy for Carpegna Prosciutto Pesaro last season, averaging 13.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
Virtus is expected to make multiple changes in its frontcourt department. As previously reported by BasketNews, Mouhammadou Jaiteh is set to leave the club at the end of the season as he already agreed to a deal with Monaco.
There's also uncertainty surrounding the continuity inside the club of Ismael Bako and Jordan Mickey.
Virtus Bologna's main target for the center position remains Serbian Nikola Milutinov, who's expected to leave CSKA Moscow at the end of the season, multiple sources have told BasketNews.
In a recent interview in the Area52 podcast, Andrea Trinchieri, the head coach of Bayern Munich, described Jones as "The no.1 player outside of EuroLeague as of right now."
Tyrique Jones highlights
