JAXON JONES – Tahlequah
In the words of Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz”, there’s no place like home. And Northeastern State University junior basketball player Jaxon Jones took those words to heart when he graduated from Tahlequah High School in 2020 after an emotional senior year. He averaged 19 points a game and had helped guide the Tigers to their first state tournament appearance in 11 years when Covid hit. Like so many other teams on that day in March 2020 they received a phone call on their way to the state tournament telling them to turn around and go home. There would be no state tournament appearance. As he neared graduation that spring, he had options for playing college basketball including some NAIA school offers and one from NSU.
“I really liked the idea of my friends and family being able to see me play a lot if I stayed in Tahlequah and it was a great fit with the coaches here,” said Jaxon. “I’ve been kind of the go-to guy for my teammates over the years on where and to and what to do in Tahlequah. Sometimes that means team dinners at my house because the guys all love my mom’s cooking,” he laughed.
Socially and academically, NSU has also been a good fit for Jones.
“I’m a physical education major and they have a really good program here and socially I’ve met a lot of new people and built a lot of relationships. Online classes and professors that work well with athletes and their demanding schedules make life a lot easier at NSU as well.”
In the age of the transfer portal, it’s made the desire to seek greener pastures a lot easier for athletes, but Jaxon Jones is happy where he is.
“I’ve stayed here because the coaches here treat us like their own kids and really take care of you.”
As a person, Jaxon describes himself as hard working, friendly and caring.
“I think caring is the most important trait because if you build caring relationships those will often come back to benefit you in the future.”
Jaxon says he enjoys playing pickle ball and spending time on the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller in his spare time.
The talented member of the RiverHawks basketball team wants everyone to know. “Whether you’ve grown up in the Tahlequah area or in states far away, there’s no place better when you make your home at Northeastern State University.”
