Eight months ago, Texas’ talented player, Andrew Jones, was diagnosed with leukemia. The young basketball player tweeted today, he is now officially done with treatment.
The last 8 months have been crazy and stressful for me and my family but with the grace of god we can see a better day. I’ll like to say th thanks to all the fans and supports #hookem #aj1Boom ???????? pic.twitter.com/r6gsu9uy3k
— Andrew Jones (@DrewdotCash) August 24, 2018
In a recent video with the Player’s Tribune, Jones shared his story, including now being a cancer survivor.
“I’m starting to embrace being a cancer survivor…. If I can inspire you just to get up in the morning, and attempt to make your life better, then I’ve done my job.”
His sister, Alexis Jones a player for the Minnesota Lynx, shared her excitement, as well as the basketball team at Texas.
God gives his hardest battles to his toughest soldiers ???????? @DrewdotCash is #CancerFree!
????: @overtime pic.twitter.com/eBDbI8esiZ— Alexis (@Lextoo_shifty) August 24, 2018
Boom.
See you later today @DrewdotCash here on campus! @UTAustin @texasExes #HookEm ???? https://t.co/hj21LFDNB9— Texas Men's Basketball (@TexasMBB) August 24, 2018
Prior to Jones being diagnosed, he was the leading scorer with 13.5 points per game. But, after a game in January, he shared with his coaches he felt extremely fatigued. Shortly after he was told he had leukemia and did not play for the Longhorns the rest of the year.
A couple of months ago, Jones was cleared to move back into the dorms and was taking summer classes online. During his chemotherapy, the Texas community has helped raise money to support Jones’ family. More than $200,000 was raised via the Longhorn Foundation.
“He’s come a long way,” stated the Longhorns coach Shaka Smart.