Former Texas Longhorns star leads European team to title, winning MVP.
When a player leaves college sports in the United States and takes their talents overseas, it can be easy for their career to drift out of sight from the American sporting public. Yet every now and then, a story emerges that not only reintroduces one of these athletes to the spotlight, but also shows how global the game has become and how talent transcends borders. That’s precisely what has happened with former Texas Longhorns basketball star Andrew Jones, who led his European club to a championship title while capturing MVP honors in the process. In doing so, he not only revived his career in dramatic fashion, but also reminded fans of the talent and perseverance that once made him one of college basketball’s most inspiring figures.
Jones’s story is already the stuff of legend among Texas Longhorns fans. A gifted guard known for his explosiveness and shooting range, he arrived at Texas as one of the more highly touted recruits in the country. But what was supposed to be a straightforward rise through the NCAA ranks and into the NBA took an unexpected turn when Jones was diagnosed with leukemia during his sophomore year. His fight against cancer was as public as it was courageous, and after undergoing treatment, he made an improbable return to the court, eventually becoming a key contributor once again for the Longhorns. Though he never fully recaptured the trajectory that had once made him a surefire NBA prospect, his heart, toughness, and steady play ensured that he would leave a lasting legacy in Austin.
After going undrafted in the NBA, Jones faced a crossroads. While summer league opportunities and G League rosters were a possibility, he opted instead to sign with a team in Europe, a move that has since paid off in more ways than one. Signing with BC Prometey, a team based in Ukraine but relocated to Riga, Latvia due to ongoing conflict, Jones joined a squad competing in the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League as well as the FIBA Europe Cup, two competitions that have grown in competitiveness and visibility over the years. With European basketball becoming an increasingly viable route for American players looking to prove themselves, the stage was set for Jones to show what he could do when given full responsibility and a starring role.
From the opening tip of the season, it was clear that Jones was on a mission. His scoring instincts, honed at Texas, translated seamlessly to the European game. In a league that places a premium on efficiency, fundamentals, and high basketball IQ, Jones thrived. He averaged 20.7 points per game across all competitions, leading his team in scoring and often acting as the offensive focal point. But it wasn’t just the points that stood out—it was the way he scored them. Whether it was spot-up threes, off-the-dribble pull-ups, or slashing drives to the basket, Jones displayed a versatile arsenal that European defenders struggled to contain.
His role wasn’t limited to scoring, however. Over the course of the season, Jones embraced the role of team leader and primary playmaker, often initiating the offense and creating opportunities for teammates. His average of 5.1 assists per game reflected a growing maturity in his game, as he found a balance between aggressive scoring and distributing the basketball. That dual-threat capability made Prometey’s offense unpredictable and hard to defend, especially in high-stakes games.
Prometey’s season culminated in a playoff run that demanded toughness and composure, traits that Jones had cultivated through years of personal and professional adversity. In the semifinal, he dropped 29 points and added 7 assists in a tight win over perennial contender VEF Riga, a performance that immediately stamped him as the best player on the floor. But it was the championship game where he truly etched his name in the annals of European basketball.
Facing off against BC Kalev/Cramo, a team loaded with size and athleticism, Prometey leaned heavily on Jones to create offense. From the first quarter, he set the tone, knocking down contested jumpers and slicing into the lane for layups that defied the size of the defenders around him. By halftime, he had 18 points and showed no signs of slowing down. In the second half, with the game tightening and emotions running high, he made key plays on both ends of the court—drawing charges, diving for loose balls, and finding open teammates in transition.
Jones finished the game with 34 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, earning MVP honors and lifting the championship trophy in front of a jubilant crowd. It was a performance that left no doubt as to who the best player on the floor was, and for those who had followed his journey from Austin to Europe, it was the crowning achievement of a long and winding road back to prominence.
The title and MVP recognition have done more than validate Jones’s decision to go overseas—they’ve opened doors. Several EuroLeague clubs, the highest tier of European basketball, have reportedly shown interest in signing him. The EuroLeague is widely considered the second-best basketball competition in the world behind the NBA, and for a player like Jones, it represents both a massive challenge and a massive opportunity. The chance to compete against former NBA players, top international stars, and some of the most tactically advanced coaches in the sport would allow him to further develop his game while staying on the radar of NBA scouts.
For Jones, though, the journey has never just been about personal accolades or contracts. In interviews following the championship, he spoke at length about what the season meant to him on a deeper level. “Basketball has given me a second chance at life,” he said. “There were times I didn’t know if I’d play again, so every time I step on the court, I’m thankful. Winning a title and being named MVP, that’s just a bonus. I’m here because I love the game.”
His coaches and teammates echoed those sentiments. Prometey head coach Ronen Ginzburg described Jones as “a professional in every sense of the word” and “the heartbeat of the team.” Teammates praised his work ethic, leadership, and humility, noting that he was often the first in the gym and the last to leave, always working to improve or help younger players. In a league where roster turnover is common and chemistry can be elusive, Jones provided a stabilizing presence that lifted everyone around him.
Back in Texas, news of his success was met with celebration and pride. The University of Texas basketball program posted congratulations on social media, with former teammates and coaches chiming in to express their admiration. For Longhorns fans, Jones’s triumph was not just a feel-good story—it was a reaffirmation of everything they had seen and believed during his collegiate career. That he could overcome illness, uncertainty, and detours to not only continue playing but to dominate and lead on another continent, felt almost poetic.
While the future remains unwritten, the possibilities are now wide open. A move to the EuroLeague could serve as a springboard to the NBA, especially if he continues his upward trajectory. Even if the NBA doesn’t come calling, Jones has cemented his place as a high-level professional capable of impacting games at the international level. With his confidence restored and his game sharper than ever, the next chapter in his career promises to be just as compelling as the last.
What makes his story so powerful, though, isn’t just the stats or the trophies. It’s the resilience, the grace under pressure, and the love of the game that shines through in everything he does. In an era where athletes are scrutinized and often commodified, Jones is a reminder that at its core, sport is about perseverance, growth, and redemption. His journey from a leukemia diagnosis to European MVP is not just a comeback—it’s a transformation.
For the fans in Riga, for his supporters back in Austin, and for anyone who has followed his journey, Andrew Jones’s championship season is a moment to celebrate. It’s a story that speaks to the power of belief and the enduring spirit of an athlete who refused to be defined by adversity. From the burnt orange of Texas to the hardwood of Eastern Europe, he has carried his passion and determination across borders, and in doing so, he has inspired a new generation of players to chase their dreams, no matter where the road takes them.
