Texas' Andrew Jones Receives Standing Ovation in Return from Leukemia Treatment

Mike Chiari @mikechiariFeatured ColumnistNovember 7, 2018

Texas guard Andrew Jones dribbles the ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Baylor, Saturday, March 4, 2017, in Austin, Texas. Baylor won 75-64. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)

Michael Thomas/Associated Press

Texas Longhorns junior guard Andrew Jones made an emotional return to the court Tuesday after missing 20 games last season because of leukemia treatment.

Upon entering Texas' 71-59 win over Eastern Illinois as a substitute in the second half, Jones received a standing ovation from those in attendance at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas:

Bleacher Report CBB @br_CBB
Andrew Jones gets a standing ovation as he checks in for the first time since his cancer diagnosis 🙏 (via @LonghornNetwork) https://t.co/eQSRpA52u4

Jones, who is recovering from a broken toe, recorded one point, one rebound, one assist and one steal in nine minutes.

After the game, Texas head coach Shaka Smart discussed how it felt to have Jones back, per ESPN.com: "It's great to see Andrew out on the court. I loved the way the crowd and everyone in the building reacted to him going in the game."

Jones made a big impact for Texas as a freshman, averaging 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He then put up 13.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per contest in 10 games last season before getting leukemia treatment.

Jones will have a chance to build off his season debut Friday when the Longhorns face the Arkansas Razorbacks from Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

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