Marion Jones Pleased with her Return

Originally Published: May 9, 2010 8:7 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

TULSA, Oklahoma – Most of the players on the floor during Sunday’s scrimmage between the Tulsa Shock and Seattle Storm were just trying to shake off the rust of a long offseason.

But not Marion Jones.

She was trying to get back into a groove after nearly 15 years away from the basketball court.

“There was a little bit of jitters,” she said. “It was fun. This was the first time getting on the court. Obviously we’re pleased with the outcome, even though it’s just an exhibition game.”

Tulsa used a strong fourth quarter performance to take down Seattle, 90-80. It was the first competitive game for Jones since she helped the University of North Carolina win a national championship in 1994. She played less than twelve minutes against Seattle, but made some plays that impressed Shock head coach Nolan Richardson.

“She was a complete player on the floor today,” he said. “Each day, we coaches talk about Marion. She’s going to be something to reckon with because she’s got something to prove. When you’ve got something to prove like Marion feels, the sky’s the limit, even in basketball.”

Jones finished the game with four points on 2-of-5 shooting. She used her speed to force a couple of Storm turnovers and picked up two steals, one of which she converted into a bucket off on an inbounds play.

“She’s 34, but she’s a rookie,” said Richardson. “She’s got the body and the legs of a 19-year-old. She hasn’t been out here running and jumping and cutting. It’s all about getting her prepared with out system to really show what she can do.”

Jones and the Shock won the only exhibition game of the preseason by ten points over the Storm and now will turn their attention to next Saturday’s season opener against Minnesota.

“We’re excited,” she said. “We’re really excited.”