Jackson-Jones ready to rejoin team post-baby
BY MIKE BROWN World Sports Writer
Friday, February 01, 2013
2/01/13 at 5:44 AM
Tiffany Jackson-Jones appears ready to rejoin the Tulsa Shock in 2013 after missing last season to give birth to a son.
The 6-foot-3 forward joined Shock forward Scholanda Dorrell in modeling new team attire featuring the Osage Casino logo during Thursday's press conference. Later, she said she is negotiating a contract that she hopes will allow her to "finish my career in Tulsa."
Jackson-Jones led the Shock in scoring (12.4), rebounding (8.4) and minutes played (33.9) in 2011, but received a leave of absence from the team in 2012 while she and her husband, Derrick Jones, awaited the birth of their first child.
Marley Andre Jones was born Dec. 12 in Dallas. Since then, Jackson-Jones said, she's been badgering her doctor about allowing her to start working out. She was cleared Monday.
"(The year off) was a much-needed break because I've been playing year-round since I was little. But by the end of the pregnancy, I was really antsy to get back on the court and start working out again," she said.
She was runner-up for the league's most improved player in 2011. Does she worry about not having the same edge after the long break?
"You always wonder how you're gonna come back," she said. "But I've just really been working hard and I have some great trainers who are working me, so I think I'll be OK."
Shock officials are hopeful of an upswing in the team's fortunes with the anticipated return of Jackson-Jones, along with Glory Johnson and Riquna Williams, who made the all-rookie team last season. The team was just 18-84 over its first three seasons in Tulsa.
"(Jackson-Jones) was probably our most productive and consistent player before she went out," said Sam Combs, Shock owner and managing partner. "With the pieces we have in place, being able to bring back a veteran like her is significant."
Said Dorrell: "Tiffany's a great player. We definitely missed her last year, and the things that she's able to bring, I think will just make us that much better."
A former University of Texas All-American, Jackson-Jones played her first three WNBA seasons with the New York Liberty before joining the Shock in a trade nine games into 2010.
Mike Brown 918-581-8390
mike.brown@tulsaworld.com
