Tyus Jones, alongside his three brothers, followed in their parents’ footsteps and pursued basketball careers.
Phoenix Suns point guard Tyus Jones significantly led the Suns to 9 assists, the highest in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 11, 2025.
Highlight
- While Tre plays for the NBA, Tony Jones’ half brothers, Jadee and Reggie Bunch, pursued coaching and collegiate careers.
- Both his parents were collegiate basketball players.
- His mother, Debbie, is a stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma survivor.
Despite his impressive play, the Suns did not match the Grizzlies’ 119 points.
Moreover, Jones recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists in the February 8 match against the Denver Nuggets.
However, the Suns lost the match again with a 122-105 loss.
The Jones Brothers Followed In Their Parents’ Footsteps, Passing On The Family Legacy
NBA point guard Tyus Jones was born on May 10, 1996, to Robert and Debbie Jones.
Bones grew up in Burnsville, Minnesota, U.S., alongside his three siblings: Tre, Jadee, and Reggie.
Moreover, Jadee and Reggie Bunch are his half-brothers. Passion for basketball runs in the Jones family, as all the brothers have pursued a basketball career.
However, the Jones brothers inherited this passion and athleticism from their parents, Rob and Debbie.
Their father, Robert Jones, played for the University of Wisconsin–Parkside in the 1980s when they competed at the Division III level.
Meanwhile, their mother, Debbie, played point guard for the Devils Lake High School, leading them to the North Dakota high school championship.
Hence, Rob and Debbie’s love for basketball drew them closer, and with time, they built a beautiful family with three loving sons.
Even though the couple divorced one another, they share mutual respect and maintain a cordial bond with one another.
Their athleticism and background in basketball greatly influenced Tyus and his siblings.
Hence, the Jones brothers followed in their parents’ footsteps, passing on the family legacy.
While Tyus and Tre enjoyed success in the NBA, Jadee Jones and Reggie Bunch pursued coaching and collegiate basketball careers.
With a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, Jadee is the director of basketball operations at Top Flight Basketball Academy.
On the contrary, Reggie Bunch has kept a low profile. However, we came across a website that showed Reggie slamming the ball against Westby during the first half of the WIAA boys Division 3 championship high school basketball game.
Moreover, Reggie played college basketball at Robert Morris University.
Meanwhile, Tyus and Tre proceeded to play professionally, becoming standout basketball players.
Named after American basketball coach and former player Tyus Dwayne Edney Sr., Tyus Jones was equally passionate about other sports.
In middle school, Jones excelled as a football quarterback, baseball pitcher, and shortstop.
Therefore, Tyus and his brother’s zeal and athletic accomplishments shed light on how their parents created an excellent atmosphere for them to thrive.
Debbie Jones’ Courageous Journey Inspired Tyus Jones
Despite growing up in a healthy and supportive environment, Tyus and his brothers’ lives were fraught with difficulties and emotional turmoils.
Their mother, Debbie, was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma in 2019.
Hence, this revelation was a devastating blow to the Jones family. Tyus put basketball aside and focused on supporting his mother through her treatment.
Debbie is a breast cancer survivor now, thanks to effective chemotherapy, double mastectomy, and 30 rounds of radiation.
“It weighed heavy on all of us. When your mom is diagnosed with cancer, it’s all you can think about for 24 hours of every single day. And she never wanted to make it about her, so she decided to deal with it out of the spotlight.”
Tyus Jones
While initially, she and her sons tried to hide her illness, they soon disclosed about her cancer.
Debbie progressively recovered, thanks to the tremendous supportive and kind remarks she received from fans.
“The amount of love and encouragement and support that she got was amazing. To know my teammates, coaches and friends were all there for her, praying for her, that was big for me to continue to do what I love.”
Tyus Jones
Hence, after nine months of cancer therapy, the final test results came back clean on October 5, 2019. The battle had ended. Therefore, Debbie was cancer-free.
Debbie Jones’ courageous journey tremendously moved Tyus.
“She’s Superwoman. She’s the toughest, strongest person I know. Anyone who knows her knows that if there was anyone who could handle this and beat it, it’s her.”
Tyus Jones
Throughout October, he continued to educate others and collaborated with the American Cancer Society to support the #RealMenWearPink effort.
Believe. Hope. Love.
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 4, 2019
When @KarlTowns learned of @1Tyus’s mother’s breast cancer diagnosis, he reached out to his friend to @kickstradomis to create custom kicks for the entire squad to wear in Sunday’s game.
Bid now to support Breast Health Awareness » https://t.co/HwuDAERNls pic.twitter.com/TUyMqxYeqZ
Moreover, he assisted in generating funding and seeking to advance cancer research. His mother’s fatal cancer made him realize there is more to the world than the court.
“My mom’s fight with cancer really put everything into perspective. It’s a crazy event that you’re never expecting, but it showed me that, as invested as you are in sports, there are things in life that are way bigger. Family is one of those things. And that’s the real blessing. That’s what’s really important.”
Tyus Jones
Additional Information
- Tyus Jones began his NBA career after the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him as the 24th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft.
- Beyond the Cavaliers, Jones played for several other NFL teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves (2015–2019), Memphis Grizzlies (2019–2023), Washington Wizards (2023–2024), and Phoenix Suns (2024–present).
- His uncle, Al Nuness, was the Minnesota Gophers basketball captain in the 1960s. Likewise, his cousin, Jared Nunes, was the 1997 Minnesota Gatorade player of the year and runner-up in Minnesota Mr. Basketball.
