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AMES, Iowa — For Curtis Jones, the joy is found in the journey.
It’s a journey that’s taken him around the country, but it all starts right here in Minneapolis.
“Born and raised in Minneapolis. Means a lot; I’m proud that I’m from there,” said Jones.
According to Cretin-Derham Hall head coach Jerry Kline Jr., the former Raider has always played with a big smile on his face.
“His story is one that will be told for many years to come. I’m just so proud. His competitive joyness, the way that he plays with his teammates, it’s team-first, yes, he’s a flame-thrower and great shooter, but like he’s a better person,” said Kline.
Despite averaging double figures his senior year and guiding the Raiders to state, Jones’ limited size led to zero scholarship offers.
“There was literally not even a division two scholarship, but he got the right opportunity at Indian Hills,” said Jones’s mother, Felicia Land.
“At the end of the day, you just got to run your own race,” said Jones.
For Jones, that race led to a one-year stop at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa. He averaged 12 points per game for the Warriors, which led to a division one opportunity at Buffalo.
Jones spent two seasons with the Bulls before entering the transfer portal due to a coaching change.
A memorable meal with Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger allowed Jones to bring his joy to Ames.
“I was with him at an Outback Steakhouse in Buffalo when we flew out there and sat at a table. It was a great trip,” said Otzelberger.
“He’s always got a smile on his face.” … That energy is something that other guys pick up on and that enthusiasm is contagious,” said Otzelberger.
“His personality is awesome. He’s never had a bad day, I’ve said that about Curtis Jones, he has never had a bad day. I mean the guy brings this positive energy that everybody around him just gravitates to,” said Iowa State play-by-play voice John Walters.
After earning an honorable mention honor last season as a junior, Jones has flourished for the Cyclones as a senior.
“Part of Curt’s development has been that chip-on-the-shoulder mentality,” said Otzelberger.
A guy with zero division one or two offers coming out of high school is now a first team All-Conference performer and the Big 12 sixth man of the year, averaging a career-high in scoring while helping the Cyclones become a national title contender.
“It was hard for sure. I really didn’t see myself here, but I just continued to get better,” said Jones.
“Curtis bet on himself. Go to junior college, go to Buffalo, go to Iowa State and look how this has turned out. We’re talking All-American, we’re talking sixth man of the country, we’re talking where does this lead life after Iowa State?” said Kline.
For Jones, it’s a journey he proudly shares with his biggest supporter, his Mom, Felicia.
“I mean, she means everything. She’s been coming to my games since I ever started playing and put the ball in my hand. I mean half of the reason I’m here is me, half of the reason is her, she’s just as important to my success, even than myself,” said Jones.
“I’m more proud of who he is as a person and who he is developing to be as a young man,” said Land.
Jones hopes his journey continues well into March and possibly even April.
“Man, it would mean everything. That’s my goal. I want to go as deep as we can. We went to the Sweet 16 last year, I want to get to that Final Four this year, hopefully win it all after that if we get there, so that would mean a lot, I would be so happy.”
