DeQuan Jones’ dynamic dunks are the perfect balance to his otherwise humble spirit.
His wide grin is the response of a man living out his dream.
As a first-year player, that dream happens to involve taking nine-year veteran Jameer Nelson to the mall after practice. Still, Jones put aside his rookie duties for a few minutes to talk with FOX Sports Florida in this week’s Q&A.
As Nelson walked past, he jokingly scolded, “Hurry up Rook. I ain’t got all day.”
FS Florida: What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
DeQuan Jones: Brush my teeth I hope (laughing). But, I like to listen to music. So the very first thing I do is probably turn my music on.
FS Florida: You tweeted the other day that you love old-school music. What is it about old-school music that you love so much?
Jones: I grew up with my grandparents. And I can remember Sunday mornings getting up early, cleaning up the house, and going to church. The old-school music kind of puts me at ease and puts me back in that mindset. So I just love it.
FS Florida: Who are some of your favorite artists?
Jones: Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye. Sam Cooke’s probably my all-time favorite. But, I also like Percy Sledge, Bobby Blue Band.
FS Florida: Can you sing at all?
Jones: No. No. Not at all. There’s no way you’re getting me to sing in this hallway.
FS Florida: Did you sing in the church?
Jones: (Laughing) No I didn’t. I was always into sports.
FS Florida: When did you first start playing basketball?
Jones: Ever since I was little, I would say like 3 years old. I remember growing up, me and my father watching Michael Jordan going up against the Pistons.
FS Florida: Your dad taught you how to play?
Jones: Yeah he did, him and the rest of my family. My uncles and my cousins, we all just grew up playing basketball and football.
FS Florida: What is your most memorable basketball moment?
Jones: Beating Duke last year at home. That was a great experience. I think it was the first time (University of Miami) had ever beaten Duke at home.
FS Florida: What about your most embarrassing basketball moment?
Jones: My most embarrassing moment was this year in preseason when we played Cleveland and I shook the referee’s hands before the game. That was probably the most embarrassing moment ever, thanks to Jameer.
FS Florida: What made you shake their hands?
Jones: I mean that’s the norm in college. They call your name; you run out and shake the referees’ hands. This was my first time starting in the NBA so I thought it was the same. I went out there and got halfway and was like, ‘Did anyone else do this?’ And then I look back at Jameer and he’s cracking up. I guess it’s a story for the books. Something I’ll always be remembered by.
FS Florida: Who’s your favorite actor or actress?
Jones: I’m a big Denzel Washington fan.
FS Florida: Have you seen his newest movie yet?
Jones: 'Flight'? Yeah I did. I love movies. I make it to the movie theater at least two or three times a week.
FS Florida: So what’s your favorite movie genre?
Jones: Definitely action.
FS Florida: What about your favorite TV show?
Jones: 'Seinfeld'. It’s hilarious.
FS Florida: What do you love about being in the NBA so far?
Jones: Just that feeling I get when I’m out there on the court playing ball. You know, growing up I was always shorter than everyone. The basketball court was the only place I felt like people really respected me. Until like ninth grade when I shot up like six inches (laughing).
FS Florida: Rumor has it that you like to cook. What’s your favorite thing to cook?
Jones: I experiment with a lot of things. But, I would say chicken breast because it’s such a versatile meal. You can season it differently; make different sides to go along with it. One thing I tried was an apricot spread. You bake it with apricot and pre-season it. It turned out really good.
FS Florida: So you’re nice in the kitchen then?
Jones: Well, I don’t want to toot my own horn (laughing).
FS Florida: Who’s the best cook you know? Don’t get in trouble now.
Jones: (laughing) …
FS Florida: No answer?
Jones: … I can’t keep Jameer waiting too much longer (laughing).
