Perth Wildcats import Mason Jones says dominant game on Sunday has him ideally prepared for NBL season

Exciting Perth Wildcats recruit Mason Jones has declared stunning first-up performance during Sunday’s pre-season game against Ryukyu Golden Kings has him perfectly prepared to have an immediate impact in round one against Tasmania. Jones lit up Perth High Performance Centre with seven three pointers from his 10 attempts despite only arriving in Australia on Wednesday. A NBA G-League Finals MVP, Jones then impressed for Sacramento in the NBA Summer League before signing with the Wildcats. He said the limited preparation wouldn’t stop him from slotting straight into the team when the season starts on Saturday, just as he did against the Golden Kings on Sunday “I definitely feel ready for round one but there is so much improvement we can make as a team,” he told The West Australian. “If I need to shoot some shots for me team, I will and if I need to pass the ball, I can do that. I did a little bit of both.. I’ve been taking teammates out to dinner and they’ve been taking me out to dinner. The big thing is, if you know everybody off the court, it’s easier on the court.” Jones was damaging from long range in the G-League, shooting at 44 per cent from the perimeter throughout last season. He made 10 three-pointers during one G-League game against Valley Suns in March, on the way to scoring 49 points. But Jones has also proven himself to be a willing passer and repeatedly had 10 or more assists in the US. He had a game high seven assists on Sunday. Jones has stepped into the team as the import guard replacement for five-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton but said he wouldn’t be worrying about comparisons. “It’s no pressure,” he said. “Last year I won the championship in the G-League. Danny and JR, they really want me here. I want to show them it has paid off. First thing is to be a team player and the second thing is to perform.”