It’s back to the gym, and a lot of workouts for New Orleans Pelicans sophomore cager Herbert Jones, after returning from the Philippines following a five-day visit with his mother Verlander.
The hectic road games of the 2022-2023 season of the National Basketball Association are just around the corner, and the Pelicans are bracing for ten road games in two months’ time, and when action in the league tips off on Oct. 18.
The 23-year-old Jones recalled what the 2021-2022 season was like for him when he played as a rookie, just after he graduated from the University of Alabama, and after playing with Crimson Tides during his years in college in the Southeastern Conference of the US National Collegiate Athletic Association.
“It’s definitely challenging, especially after coming from college, and straight into playing (in the NBA), “ said Jones on Monday, and at the end of a basketball court dedication and youth clinic at the Enchanted Farm village of Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. (GK) in Angat, Bulacan.
Herb’s mom, a retired technology coordinator from Perry County, Alabama, celebrated her 50th birthday before she joined her son in Manila.
It was a long season for Jones as he traveled from one place to another for home-and-away games in the Western Conference with his teammates, and for a total of 78 matches.
And on his second year in the NBA, Jones said he is finally getting adjusted to the travel associated with road games, and with the support of teammates, fans, and family behind him.
“The regular season was pretty tiring. I was trying to stay hydrated throughout the season, and stay fresh,” remarked Jones of his experience in his first year in the NBA.
The Pelicans’ sophomore cager Herb Jones, who made it to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team last season when it was over.
The Pelicans didn’t have a bad season as well.
Last April, the Pelicans earned their first playoff berth since 2018 after they defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 105–101 on the road in the second play-in round. They had 36-46 win-loss record at the end of their regular games in the Western Conference.
In the playoff, the Pelicans bowed to the Phoenix Suns after winning two of six matches.
In the 2019-2020 season, the Pelicans were one of the 22 teams invited to the NBA Bubble to join in the final eight games of the regular game period. The Pelicans were eliminated from postseason contention when the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers.
Jones said the Pelicans seek to be a better team in the coming season, and this will help the New Orleans Pelicans make it further in the playoffs.
The Pelicans are slated to have four pre-season matches from October 4 to 14, before they start their regular season with a game against the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 19 at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn.
Then, it’s off to North Carolina for a showdown with the Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 21 at the Spectrum Center. He will get to meet Gilas Pilipinas cager Jordan Clarkson and the Utah Jazz in a home game in New Orleans on Oct. 23.
