Just ahead of Hapoel Hoolon’s Winner Cup semifinal clash against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Thursday in Hadera (21:00), let’s take a look at what the purples new big man brings to the table. Marvin Jones signed a 1-year deal to play with Hapoel Holon and will team up with Joe Ragland, CJ Harris and Chris Johnson for the upcoming 2022/23 season The big man attended a number of colleges including Highland, Kent State and Texas Southern where he scored 8.5 points, grabbed 6.8 points and blocked 1.6 shots in his final season of NCAA ball back in 2017 while he earned the SWAC Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Along the way, Jones featured in Greece, Turkey and Slovenia and also played in the Basketball Champions League with Peristeri in 2021/22 as well as PAOK the following season where he averaged 13.5 points and 7.5 boards.

To get to know Jones a bit better, The Sports Rabbi was in touch with a journalist and former teammates who broke down what Jones will be bringing to the Holon table.

Journalist Harris Stavrou: He was the MVP of PAOK, he was scoring a lot and he was the most consistent player of the team. His coach was the one who picked him up as a rookie in Kolossos, so it was a good environment for him to show his skills. He has range for three pointers, he is super athletic, good rebounder and blocker, an easy going guy who can score on great %. Dunking and finishing on the rim, he will be great in Holon too.

Teammates at Kent State:

Deon Edwin: He’s a good spirited guy, always happy and always wants the best for his friends and teammates at all times. Plus he handles his business on the court and is professional at all times. Hapoel Holon got a great rim protector and a guy with a motor that will give energy on defense and offense.

Kellon Thomas: Marvin is a a great teammate and he’s the perfect compliment to a point guard. He’s an athletic finisher above the rim and great pick and pop stretch big. I loved playing with Marvin and his personality uplifts teams.

Jimmy Hall: He was my roommate in college, humble dude. Worked his way up the ranks, Holon got a great player.

Teammates at Kolossos:

Keith Wright: Marvin and I were teammates during his first season as a pro. I knew then that he would have an amazing career. It’s no surprise to me to see all of the success he’s had since our time together in Rhodes. Extremely hard working. He always stayed after practice, everyday, to hit the weight room and get stronger. I can tell he hasn’t lost that motivation at all. Hapoel Holon is getting a beast of a player! He’s going to throw down a lot of dunks. He’s going to block a lot of shots. But he’s also going to surprise you when you start to see the other skills he has. He really is a great player.

Ramon Harris: He’s a great talent and a great person! He’s a hard worker and he’s always trying to get better. One guy that I would love to have as a teammate again!

Brandon Young: I can tell you he is a great person to be around and an even better teammate. The team will love him and the coaching staff because he works hard and he also leads by example

Teammates at Peristeri:

Terran Petteway: Marv – that’s my guy, that’s my brother, we have became real good friends the year that we were at Peristeri and even after, now I still talk to him every other day and still keek contact with him. I think Holon got a great player, great guy, his work ethic is off the charts, a fierce competitor and I think that’s why we connected and we came so close because we’re the same, we both don’t mind working, we both don’t mind competing against each over in paractice and against other people so I think he’s gonna do great. Even after this year I think he would reach another level and reach new hights, this guy is a learner for more, he has all of his tools and all of the ability to do whatever he wants with basketball so I root for him and I wish him nothing but success in his year with Holon.

Tre’ McLean: Marvin is a great teammate and very passionate about the game of basketball and winning. Hapoel Holon just got the hardest working big man in Europe.

Teammate at PAOK Jermaine Love: That’s my brother. As someone who has played for Holon, you guys are getting a player who will be just like you guys. Plays 1000% every practice and every game. True warrior.