WASHINGTON (May 6, 2020) – Howard University rising junior legal communications major Lydia Jules interviewed guard Phillip Jones (Atlanta) from the men's basketball team, asking 11 questions for the 2019-20 Senior Profile series.
 
Q: What is your favorite part of being a student-athlete?
A: My favorite part of being a student-athlete at Howard is the culture. I will never forget the home games where all the organizations came out to support, the energy is unmatched.
 
Q: How did you juggle being a student-athlete?
A: As a student-athlete, you are not working on the same schedule as other students, especially during my senior year. I had a lot of responsibilities outside of school, but I remained disciplined, which was a challenge at times.
 
Q: How did you get started in basketball?
A: Around age seven, I started playing basketball in a church league. Originally, I played baseball, but it was way too hot outside (lol). So, I tried an indoor sport and basketball was the first option.
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: My family's support was a big part that kept me motivated, for sure. My parents met at Howard, so I come from a Bison family. HU Athletics was in my background and I always wanted to be part of that tradition.
 
Q: If you were not competing in basketball, what sport would you play?
A: In my split life, I always thought of playing football like my Dad did at Howard!
 
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: Originally, I am from Atlanta and I grew up playing football. So, Michael Vick was my favorite athlete because he had a big impact on young black African-Americans in sports and shifted the culture in the NFL, for sure.
 
Q: What is your favorite memory at Howard?
A: My favorite basketball memory would be our trip to Spain. This past summer, the team had an opportunity to travel the country and create bonds with the current teammates and the freshman joining the fold.
 
Q: Plans after graduation?
A: I have accepted a full-time offer with Wells Fargo in their commercial real estate department as a financial analyst.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: I've gotten so close with my classmates (HU Class of 2020) over the years, I will definitely miss them the most.
 
Q: What advice would you give future Bison?
A: My advice for future Bison would be to get involved with every opportunity Howard has to offer, but do not get too caught up. Always remember the reasons you came to Howard in the first place!
 
Q: Who would you like to thank?
A: I would like to thank all my coaches during my time at Howard because the biggest gift I received was the coaches allowing me to join the team as a walk-on.
 
About Jones
 
Phillip Jones chose HU because of his family ties at The Mecca. His parents and sister attended the Hilltop; thus, continuing the tradition as a Howard grad.
 
In his sophomore year, he walked onto the men's basketball team where he was a member for three seasons (2017-2020).
 
In his senior campaign, he competed in 24 games while starting the final nine contests as the team's floor general.
 
Jones was an honor student, earning numerous academic accolades, including Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner's All-Academic Team (2019) and Eastern College Athletic Conference President's Honor Roll (2018).
 
In Spring 2020, the Atlanta native graduated with a bachelor's degree in Finance. Recently, he accepted a full-time offer with Wells Fargo in their commercial real estate department as a financial analyst.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.