Herbert Jones Bio
Herbert Keyshawn Jones (born October 6, 1998) is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He earned third-team All-American honors as a senior in 2021, when he was also named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year. Jones was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2022 and NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Herbert Keyshawn Jones was born in Greensboro, Alabama. He grew up in a family that valued sports, particularly basketball, as his father, Walter Sr. Jones, served as a coach. Jones began playing varsity basketball at Sunshine High School in Newbern, Alabama, where he played alongside his older brother, Walter Jr. He helped his team reach the Class 1A state finals in 2015, before the school closed. For his junior season, he transferred to Hale County High School in Moundville, Alabama, where his father was an assistant coach. As a senior, he averaged 16.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and four assists per game, earning Class 4A Player of the Year honors and leading Hale County to its first-ever state championship.
Path to Basketball
After high school, Herbert Jones committed to playing college basketball at the University of Alabama, choosing the program over offers from several other universities. He had a notable college career, starting as a freshman with averages of 4.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He set a single-season program record by drawing 23 charges. Despite suffering a fractured left wrist during his sophomore season, he returned to the court and continued to improve his performance. By his senior year, he averaged 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, culminating in being named the SEC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
Herbert Jones Career
Early Career (2021)
Herbert Jones was selected in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft with the 35th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans. He made an immediate impact in the league, scoring a career-high 26 points in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 28, 2021. His defensive skills were recognized when he was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2022. Jones continued to build on his early success, showcasing his versatility and determination on the court.
Breakthrough (2022-2024)
In the 2022 season, Jones established himself as a key player for the New Orleans Pelicans, known for his defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively. He had a standout performance on March 27, 2022, recording a career-high six steals in a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. His hard work and dedication paid off when he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2024, becoming the only non-center to receive this honor that year. In a remarkable game on April 5, 2023, he scored a career-high 35 points, further solidifying his status as an emerging star in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Herbert Jones’s signature work includes his recognition as an NBA All-Defensive First Team member and his selection to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. His journey from college basketball to the NBA highlights his determination and skill, making him a player to watch in the coming years.
Herbert Jones Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Herbert Jones has received several nominations and accolades, including being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2022 and the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2024.
Herbert Jones Awards Won
Herbert Jones has achieved notable awards, including the SEC Player of the Year in 2021, which recognizes his outstanding performance during his college career.
Herbert Jones Family
Herbert Jones is the son of Walter Sr. and Verlander Jones. He has an older brother, Walter Jr., who played college basketball for Texas–Rio Grande Valley and Alabama A&M.
Personal Life
Jones was born with hemolytic anemia, a condition that affects red blood cells. Known for his frugality, he has been noted for driving the same car to games as he did during his college days, reflecting his commitment to saving money to support his family financially.
