Getting to know the Magic: DeQuan Jones

DeQuanJonesCanes
DeQuan Jones’ dynamic dunks are the perfect balance to his otherwise humble spirit.

When he smiles, the whole room lights up. His wide grin is the response of a man living out his dream.

As a first-year player, that dream happens to involve taking nine-year veteran Jameer Nelson to the mall after practice. Still, Jones put aside his rookie duties for a few minutes to talk with FOX Sports Florida in this week’s Q&A.

As Nelson walked past, he jokingly scolded, “Hurry up Rook. I ain’t got all day.”

FS Florida: What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
DeQuan Jones: Brush my teeth I hope (laughing). But, I like to listen to music. So the very first thing I do is probably turn my music on.

FS Florida: You tweeted the other day that you love old-school music. What is it about old-school music that you love so much?
Jones: I grew up with my grandparents. And I can remember Sunday mornings getting up early, cleaning up the house, and going to church. The old-school music kind of puts me at ease and puts me back in that mindset. So I just love it.

FS Florida: Who are some of your favorite artists?
Jones: Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye. Sam Cooke’s probably my all-time favorite. But, I also like Percy Sledge, Bobby Blue Band.

FS Florida: Can you sing at all?
Jones: No. No. Not at all. There’s no way you’re getting me to sing in this hallway.

FS Florida: Did you sing in the church?
Jones: (Laughing) No I didn’t. I was always into sports.

FS Florida: When did you first start playing basketball?
Jones: Ever since I was little, I would say like 3 years old. I remember growing up, me and my father watching Michael Jordan going up against the Pistons.

FS Florida: Your dad taught you how to play?
Jones: Yeah he did, him and the rest of my family. My uncles and my cousins, we all just grew up playing basketball and football.

FS Florida: What is your most memorable basketball moment?
Jones: Beating Duke last year at home. That was a great experience. I think it was the first time (University of Miami) had ever beaten Duke at home.

FS Florida: What about your most embarrassing basketball moment?
Jones: My most embarrassing moment was this year in preseason when we played Cleveland and I shook the referee’s hands before the game. That was probably the most embarrassing moment ever, thanks to Jameer.

FS Florida: What made you shake their hands?
Jones: I mean that’s the norm in college. They call your name; you run out and shake the referees’ hands. This was my first time starting in the NBA so I thought it was the same. I went out there and got halfway and was like, ‘Did anyone else do this?’ And then I look back at Jameer and he’s cracking up. I guess it’s a story for the books. Something I’ll always be remembered by.

FS Florida: Who’s your favorite actor or actress?
Jones: I’m a big Denzel Washington fan.

FS Florida: Have you seen his newest movie yet?
Jones: 'Flight'? Yeah I did. I love movies. I make it to the movie theater at least two or three times a week.

FS Florida: So what’s your favorite movie genre?
Jones: Definitely action.

FS Florida: What about your favorite TV show?
Jones: 'Seinfeld'. It’s hilarious.

FS Florida: What do you love about being in the NBA so far?
Jones: Just that feeling I get when I’m out there on the court playing ball. You know, growing up I was always shorter than everyone. The basketball court was the only place I felt like people really respected me. Until like ninth grade when I shot up like six inches (laughing).

FS Florida: Rumor has it that you like to cook. What’s your favorite thing to cook?
Jones: I experiment with a lot of things. But, I would say chicken breast because it’s such a versatile meal. You can season it differently; make different sides to go along with it. One thing I tried was an apricot spread. You bake it with apricot and pre-season it. It turned out really good.

FS Florida: So you’re nice in the kitchen then?
Jones: Well, I don’t want to toot my own horn (laughing).

FS Florida: Who’s the best cook you know? Don’t get in trouble now.
Jones: (laughing) …

FS Florida: No answer?
Jones: … I can’t keep Jameer waiting too much longer (laughing).


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(foxsportsflorida.com)
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