SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich again selected guard Tre Jones as the Spurs Basketball Youth League's (presented by Pizza Hut) Ambassador for a second consecutive year.
He lived up to that honor Sunday afternoon, leading a basketball training clinic at the Barshop Jewish Community Center.
Jones, along with Spurs basketball coaches, served as a guest coach for two all-girls teams in grades 3-4.
The girls put on a show in front of a packed gym, demonstrating good sportsmanship and showing off their impressive basketball skills on the court.
On the sidelines, Jones was actively coaching the girls, giving them encouragement and high-fives, and he brought his daughter to watch the players hoop.
It is a huge reason why Popovich selected him as the Ambassador, as he exemplifies the youth league’s values and mission on and off the court.
In this Q&A, Jones talks to us about his role as the SYBL ambassador, how he felt when Popovich selected him, what it meant for women to participate in sports, and more, including his thoughts on becoming a head coach when his playing days are done.
Jeff: What is being a Spurs Youth Basketball League Ambassador like? How does that impact you?
Tre: It means a lot to me, for sure. It's a lot of fun to come out here and spend time with the kids. The next generation. It brings back memories of coming into the community centers as a kid, playing in leagues of my own, and just playing with friends on the weekends. Being able to come back and give back to the community means everything.
Jeff: How was it for you when Popovich tapped you to be the ambassador once again?
Tre: It means a lot. He knows how much I care about the kids. I love the community and care about trying to help them (young athletes) out as much as possible. To put a smile on their face, give them some joy, be able to help them however I can. Something like this today, coming out and coaching, and he knows how much it means to me. We've talked about it before in the past as well. It just means a lot that he made me an Ambassador.
Jeff: Today, you're coaching young girls. How important is it for girls to be involved in sports?
Tre: It's super important. To be able to continue to push females and sports. Obviously, we've seen the growth just in my lifetime. It's grown so much over the years, especially recently, but we continue to push that.
I have a daughter of my own and two on the way, so it's really big for me to continue to push that as well. I continue to push for equality and everything that comes with being a father.
Jeff: You think maybe she'll want to hoop someday?
Tre: For sure! I have her in the crowd here today just so she can be around and see the camaraderie of a team and just what it's like to come here to the gym and just see girls her size, running up and down. It was really cool for me to see.
Jeff: You are serving as a guest coach today, and I know you are young in your pro career, but do you ever think about coaching once your playing days are over?
Tre: (Laughs) Definitely! It's crossed my mind before. I don't know what level. It'd be cool to stay at this level with my kids. But one day, maybe I can be a coach at whatever level. It's definitely on my mind.
Jeff: What would be your message to San Antonio parents looking to have their kids join the SYBL?
Tre: I think it's a great decision to have their kids a part of the League. It's an amazing league.
They're able to come here and play basketball. Be part of a team. There are so many things you can learn just from being part of a team. Being able to play the game with your friends. The game takes you to so many cool places. It gets you to meet so many cool people and build so many relationships that last a lifetime. So I think it's a great decision.
Jeff: I saw Becky Hammon stop by and meet with you.
Tre: Right! It was good to see. Her son has a game later today. It's crazy. We're both in the gym together here this morning and at the community center. It speaks to the Spurs Youth Basketball League and what's happening here.
Jones will continue to appear at various events throughout the SYBL season, mentoring and playing with the athletes and assisting with running clinics.
SYBL offers meaningful funding and resources for youth basketball programs across Central and South Texas while providing a safe space for youth to spend their free time.