The Basketball Interview with Dylan Jones
2019 Waukee forward Dylan Jones is on the verge of becoming one of the state’s best players. After a dominant showing during our first viewing of him at the Justin Sharp Shootout with his Waukee team, he came to the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo and was equally dominant. He’ll come off the bench with a veteran Warriors team this season, but it won’t be long before our 8th ranked player in the 2019 class makes his name known across the state. This is “The Basketball Interview with Dylan Jones”.
Q: What is your favorite part of game day at Waukee?
My favorite part of a Waukee game day is the introduction of the players right before tip off. They dim the lights, play cool music and get myself, the team and all the fans hyped and cheering for the game that’s about to ensue.
Q: Who is the most difficult player to defend in the state?
I think Bailey Basala is the toughest player to guard in the state of Iowa. I had a chance to play against and guard him most of the game when we played North Scott this summer. Just his versatility of being a knock down shooter and having the size to come into the paint and finish plays make him a tough matchup for anyone he may play against.
Q: Other than Waukee, which gym is your favorite to play in and why?
Even though I haven’t yet had the opportunity to play in Wells Fargo Arena I already know it will be my favorite place I’ve ever played in. Just the journey it takes to qualify for state and make it there is what makes that place so special. My brothers and I have made it our #1 goal to reach Wells and we’re going to work our tails off in every way to achieve this goal and make it there.
Q: If you had complete control over the schedule and could put anyone in the state on it, who would you want to play?
If I had complete control of the schedule I’d elect to play Iowa City West in the regular season. They’re a good team and a well coached team that I think would challenge us and possibly expose some weak points we may have. We could then correct those weak points and therefore make us a better team going forward.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player of all-time? Do you model your game after them or any other players?
I don’t really have a favorite player of all-time, but if I had to choose it’d be Michael Jordan. Just his accomplishments and skill make him appealing. Also his winning mentality and drive make him a player I try to model myself after. He makes me want to relentlessly work hard to achieve my goals like he already has.
Q: What is the best piece of coaching advice you’ve ever received?
The greatest piece of advice I’ve ever received was “How good you become depends on how much you are willing to work”. I value that advice to this day and it made me realize that the sky is the limit for me if I just put in the time and effort required to be great.