Garrett Jones is a sophomore on the men’s basketball team. He transferred to Hillsdale this year from the University of New Hampshire. Jones has already seen time on the court as a point guard. He is adjusting to Hillsdale’s academics and is planning to major in sports psychology.
Was Hillsdale one of your original options before choosing the University of New Hampshire?
Before I went to the University of New Hampshire, I was looking into going to Loyola because I got a scholarship to play basketball there. They were in the process of getting new coaches so I kind of waited it out at New Hampshire. They were the last to offer so I took a visit out there and made the decision to go there.
How did you come to find Hillsdale?
Coach Kowalczyk at the University of Toledo. I contacted him to ask for help; I contacted a lot of people, coaches, teammates, friends and got in contact with him. He put me in contact with Coach Tharp. I came at the end of April for a visit here and made my decision.
How have you adjusted to Hillsdale academically and socially?
It’s a big adjustment because the University of New Hampshire had around 14,000 students while here there are about 1,500. It’s a huge adjustment socially, but academically Hillsdale is a little tougher- you have to push through it.
What is your favorite aspect of the college so far?
Basically the relationships because, even though I’ve only been here for about two months, I have gained great relationships outside just my teammates: the women’s basketball team, regular students, people in the dorms. Basically you know everyone on campus, which is a good feeling.
What is the most surprising aspect of Hillsdale for you?
I have met many people from different areas in the country. I didn’t expect I would be with people from California or Seattle. I have never seen that many people from the West Coast come to a school in the Midwest because of the different environment. Because in a couple of weeks here there will be snow and they could have stayed in sunny California.
How have you assimilated on to the team?
Pretty well. They have had open arms with everything. We just got back from our road trip this past weekend. It was a great experience playing at Toledo and playing at Indiana. It was great being around them and also the coaches and the whole team in that environment.
How did you feel stepping out on to the court at Assembly Hall?
It was a different experience. One of my closest friends almost went there to play basketball and he’s told me stories about being there. For me it was just a surreal feeling. I have never in my life thought I would be playing basketball there or even play against Indiana. I was kind of, not star-struck, but I was just gazing about how big the building is and how many people they can pack into that gym. It gets very loud, but it was a great experience.
You have been starting as a point guard in the exhibition games, how has that experience been for you?
It’s a different transition. At the University of New Hampshire, I was on-ball and off-ball. I wasn’t playing that much point, but coming here it is an easier transition mainly because the coaches and team encourages me to make sure I do certain moves, to make certain movements and to get everyone involved. It’s a good transition.
How would you describe your playing style?
I am more of a creator. I’m not necessarily the “shoot-first” person. I enjoy passing the ball to teammates and creating plays to get them open. I like to pass first and then look for my shot after I get them open.
What is the most nerve-wracking part of the game for you?
Because I took off the whole last year, my first possession in the game, but as the game continued the nerves went away and I focused in.
Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
I wear socks that are labeled “left” and “right.” I always put on the left sock first because with wins and losses, the wins go to the left and the losses go to the right so I always put on the left one first.
What are your goals for the team this season?
For our team, we want to win our conference and then hopefully make a good run in the tournament for Division II. I believe we can do that.