SAN FRANCISCO – In a moment filled with emotion, Dallas Wings forward Haley Jones made her professional basketball debut in front of a cheering crowd of family and friends at the Chase Center on Friday night. The Santa Cruz native contributed significantly to her team’s 86-76 victory over the Valkyries, scoring 10 points and adding four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block.
Before the game, Jones expressed her excitement about returning to her home region. “It’s really exciting. I got to go home last night, and I think I have like 100 people coming, from friends and family,” she told the Bay Area News Group. The warm support from over 150 attendees, including her former high school coach, Sue Phillips of Archbishop Mitty, highlighted the significance of the occasion. Phillips, who helped develop Jones into a standout player, shared her pride in Jones’s achievements, stating, “(I feel) immense happiness and pride in her accomplishments, and the work she has put into being on this WNBA stage.”
Jones’s journey to the WNBA has been marked by determination and resilience. After leading Stanford University to the NCAA championship in 2021, she was selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream. However, her initial years in the league were challenging; she averaged only 3.8 points per game during her two seasons in Atlanta, leading to her release prior to the current season. Following brief stints with the Phoenix Mercury and then the Dallas Wings, Jones has now found her footing.
With a positive outlook and a strong work ethic, Jones has made significant strides in her current role. “Haley has always maintained a positive outlook and steady work ethic during times of adversity,” Phillips commented. She has adapted her game, transitioning from an undersized player to a skilled passing post, which has been instrumental in the Wings’ offense.
Wings head coach Chris Koclanes praised Jones for her ability to facilitate plays from the post position. “I appreciate her level-headedness, and the pace she generates in our offense,” he said. “To be able to play-make and facilitate from the post position gives us another layer and dynamic to our offense.”
Jones’s recent performances indicate she is settling into her new role. She has recorded double-digit scoring in three consecutive games, a personal milestone in her young career. “It was about keeping the faith in me and my journey, and having confidence in myself when it comes to what I do and what I can bring,” Jones reflected. “Here in Dallas, I’ve really found that.”
As she continues to build on her success, Jones remains committed to her roots. “It’s home, so I’m always going to come home to the Bay to do what I can,” she stated, emphasizing the community’s influence on her basketball journey. Her story is a testament to perseverance and the power of support from family and mentors, as she strives to make her mark in the WNBA.
