Team-first Jones set to lead Perth’s charge

Less than a week after arriving in Australia, Perth Wildcats import Mason Jones has shown he means business during the fast-approaching Hungry Jack's NBL26 season.

After labelling himself as ‘team-first’ during his arrival press conference, the 27-year-old Texas native backed it up during his Wildcats debut on Sunday, during their 103-93 International Series win over Japan's Ryukyu Golden Kings at the Perth High Performance Centre.

In just 23 minutes off the bench, Jones produced 22 points (including seven triples), seven assists and five rebounds.

“There's gonna be games where I can go for 40 and 50 points, but that's not the obvious goal,” Jones said during his introductory press conference.

“The goal is to win and watch everybody grow and help them really be the player they need to be.

“That's what I learned about being on a championship team.

“You're going to have games where you go off, but it's all about the team it’s the team first.

“Are you making your players and teammates better? Are you actually understanding who your teammates are? Do you like the spots they were in? Do you actually know what the shots are and how they like to be? It’s those little things that matter.

“That's what I'm excited to bring here. I'm a winning player and will lead by example.”

Jones comes to the NBL and John Rillie’s Wildcats with high expectations after a strong 2024-25 season with the Sacramento Kings (who he featured with on 10 occasions) and their G-League affiliate, Stockton.

For the latter, the explosive guard played 32 times and led his outfit to the championship, edging the Osceola Magic 2-1, while averaging 22.3 points, 9.7 dimes and three boards per contest, to take home the Finals MVP.

Jones will be looking to carry on that momentum into the Wildcats’ season-opener against Tasmania on Saturday, September 21 from 8pm AEST at RAC Arena.

“I feel like this is going to be a big opportunity for me to grow because Perth wants to win and I want to win,” the Connors State College alum said.

“I'm a very quiet guy, I like to really just work hard, be in the gym a lot and really let the results show.

“I know that this year, as I got signed, there are high expectations, but also losing a player like Perth did last year (Bryce Cotton), they are trying to put expectations on me.

“But I am who I am, and I know that if you see my resume, you know that I always perform.

“So just taking it one day at a time, and I’ll be ready for the season.”

Saturday’s fixture in Perth will be broadcast live via ESPN.