Jarrod Jones, Goyang Sono’s “one-option” foreign player, has disappeared from the record books. Despite playing every game since the start of the season, he didn’t crack the top five in either offense or defense. Early on, there was speculation of a foreign player replacement. “We’ve been in contact (to find a new foreign player),” Sono said, leaving the possibility open.
Sono suffered a heavy 65-101 defeat in their 2023-24 regular season away game against Suwon KT at the Suwon KT Arena on Nov. 6. The team fell behind by as many as 13 points in the first half and never recovered, suffering their fifth loss of the season (two wins).
It was a literal “blowout,” with starkly mixed performances from both teams’ foreign players. While KT Paris Bass shined with 21 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, Jones was held to just two points and one rebound in 12 minutes. All seven of his shots were off the rim, and he only scored on free throws.
Sono, who started this season, went with Jones and Anthony Bennett for the opener. Bennett, the former No. 1 overall pick in the National Basketball Association (NBA), was the first to catch the eye, but Sono head coach Kim Seung-ki believes that “the No. 1 option is Jones.” Jones joined Suwon KT as a replacement foreign player during the 2022-23 season and averaged 18.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 45.2% shooting from the field and 37.9% from three-point range in 32 games. With his size (6-foot-5), long range, and scoring ability, he was considered a good fit for Sono’s “archery basketball” offense.
However, Jones’ performance has been far below expectations. In seven games, Jones averaged just 11 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 21 minutes. He’s shooting 44.9% from the field and 18.6% from three-point range.
They also struggle to get passing grades in individual and team play. SONO has a national guard in Jeon Sung-hyun and Lee Jeong-hyun, but they are a bit weak in the forward line. It’s important to have a forward/center who can make them work, and so far, Jones hasn’t been up to the task. As the team’s number one option, you’d expect him to be able to take care of business, but so far, his shots have been off the rim. It’s been the same story with the Korean players.
All eyes will be on Sono to make another quick decision. Sono made the decision to replace Bennett before the start of the tournament when he felt unwell (asthma). At the time, it was so close to the start that it didn’t affect the limited number of substitutions he could make. In Jones’ case, however, the season has already started, so he’ll have to play the substitution card. The nature of basketball is such that a single player can make or break a season, so it’s important to be cautious. 보스토토
Meanwhile, speculation is already swirling in the basketball world, with names of foreign players being thrown around. “It’s true that we’ve been in contact with potential replacements,” a Sono official told us, “but we’ll know as early as this week whether they’ll stay or change,” leaving the door open to both options.