“Coming from a small town, not a lot of people believed in me,” she told reporters on Wednesday during a media call. “But I know I had my town behind me — even though it’s just a little town, they stood behind me ten toes. I’m just glad I could produce for them.”
After flashing her potential during a freshman campaign that was interrupted by injury, Jones is poised to be a key figure in NC State’s young core. With WNBA draftees Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers, and veteran Madison Hayes all moving on, the Wolfpack will lean on rising talent to lead the next chapter.
Jones and fellow sophomore guard Zoe Brooks are expected to anchor the backcourt.
“Last year, we were teammates, we talked,” Jones said. “But this year, we have a closer bond. I have to step up as a leader, and she’s looking for me to step up right behind her. We’re just ready to step on the court and be the best duo.”
Moore said building around his returning players — especially Jones and Brooks — was the program’s focus this summer. “My priority, though, I can tell you from day one, was to keep our players,” Moore said. “That’s what we tried to get done first.”
NC State Wolfpack guard Zoe Brooks (35) shoots against LSU Lady Tigers forward Aneesah Morrow (24) during the second half of a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA on March 28, 2025. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Part of that core is sophomore forward Tilda Trygger who made the Swedish national team and is playing for her country’s U20 team this summer. “That’s the first time she’s done that,” Moore said. “That’s the team, if they qualified, that would go to the Olympics, so that’s impressive to make at her age.”
That’s not to say the Wolfpack stood still. Moore added Vanderbilt transfer Khamil Pierre, Connecticut transfer Qadence Samuels, and brought in a promising freshman group, including guards Adelaide Jernigan and Destiny “Ky’She” Lunan.
Jones says she’s already formed connections with the newcomers. “[Khamil Pierre] is an amazing person. I have FaceTimed her multiple times,” she said. “We have a great bond already. We’re just ready for her to get here and work together.” Jones adds the transition with Jernigan, Lunan, and Samuels has been easy. “I feel like all three of them adjusted pretty well. I love them and I’m ready to play with them this year.” Jones mentioned Lunan has a great mid-range game and Jernigan’s shot is “out of this world.”
Jones knows how tough acclimating to college can be. “It was all mental for me, and maybe a little physical,” she said. “I never really lifted weights. Just the speed and competitiveness of college basketball — that was the biggest [adjustment].” Now, with a year of growth behind her, she’s embracing a leadership role for the freshmen. She’s looking forward to “welcom[ing] them to the family with ease.”
Head coach Wes Moore hopes that their new additions can see what’s possible for them at NC State. “We had two players drafted in the first round… that didn’t hurt,” he said. “These kids have aspirations of playing at the next level.”
He also credits the coaching staff and culture. “I think our staff does a really good job working with these players and helping them get better and preparing them for the next level, and that definitely helps in recruiting when players see that.”
NC State Wolfpack head coach Wes Moore reacts after a play against the LSU Lady Tigers during the Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA on March 28, 2025. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Jones is using that preparation as fuel. “Zoe [Brooks] got most improved last year,” she said. “I’m trying to get it this year. Trying to go back-to-back, NC State Most Improved Players.”
This upcoming season, she’s embracing the moment with grit, growth, and a little hometown fire.
“Whatever Coach Moore needs from me, that’s what I’m going to give him,” Jones said. “Whether it’s cheering on the bench or on the court. Anything he wants from me this year, I’m giving it to him.”