Second year forward Asjha Jones
Ray Amati/WNBAE/Getty Images
|
Asjha Jones begins her second season with the Washington Mystics.
After being selected fourth overall in the 2002 WNBA Draft by the Mystics, Jones had a solid rookie year averaging 6.5 points and 2.8 rebounds a game, finishing sixth among rookies in rebounds per game and seventh in scoring average.
Some of the highlights from her rookie season include playing 21 minutes and scored 12 points on 4-12 shooting and grabbing three rebounds in her second professional game at Phoenix. She also played 10 minutes, scored five points, shot 3-4 from the free throw linem grabbed one rebound and dished out one assist in the Mystics first ever win at Utah.
In college, Jones was part of the Connecticut Huskies 2002 undefeated National Championship team. She garnered many honors as well including AP Third Team All American and 2002 Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
Jones recently had a break to stop by and respond to some of your question. Here is what she had to say.
Linda - Rockville, MD: How was your offseason and do you feel like you improved your game by playing overseas?
Asjha Jones: I think just playing in general at a more competitive level that is not college is what helped me the most. Being able to play a different position and stepping away from the lane more helped me because at this level you can't always be down in the post because players are going to be quicker and stronger than me. Over the off-season I had the opportunity to work on my outside game and my jump shot a lot more.
Diane - Fairfax, VA: Who inspired you to play basketball?
Asjha Jones: I don’t think it was any one person in particular. I was a tomboy and I played every sport the guys were playing and when it came time for basketball I really loved playing it, and that’s what I really stuck to through my life.
Tracy - Arlington, VA: What are some of your personal goals this season?
Asjha Jones: To be more consistent and take the right shot at the right time.
Madison - Houston, TX: What do the Washington Mystics have to do in order to be Eastern Conference contenders once again?
Asjha Jones: I think just to play more as a team and not so much one-on-one. We need to work on our game plan, play together and play great defense.
Holly - Washington, DC: Are you looking forward to playing against Swin Cash and Sue Bird this season?
Asjha Jones: I'm looking forward to seeing them. I haven’t had the chance to see them since I have been back. I was out of the country for five months and only got to talk to them through Instant Messenger and e-mails. So it's going to be fun to get to see them again.
Jason - Potomac, MD: Who do you think on the Mystics has most improved their game from last season?
Asjha Jones: I think Murriel has, not improved, but really stepped up her game a lot. I think she realizes that the team has a void, we're missing Vicky (Bullett), and she has taken it upon herself to step up her game this season.
Jenn - Washington, DC: Were you impressed by Diana Taurasi's performance this season and do you think the Huskies can make it three straight next year?
Asjha Jones: There is always that chance. A lot of people doubted them this year and they made it happen. I think they have a great coach over there and he's going to make the team as strong as he can. I didn’t get a chance to see any of the games because I was overseas, but from what I hear, Taurasi was a leader and she lead her team as well as she could.
Beth - New York, NY: Do you still enjoy Washington and playing for the Mystics?
Asjha Jones: Of course. This is a great city, the fans support is wonderful. Coming from Connecticut I'm a little spoiled and I was worried about that, but I got a great situation here with great fans.
