Tayanna Jones knows that she can score the basketball.
She proved it during a stellar career at North Johnston (N.C.) High School and on various occasions during her college career.
Jones also knows that for the 24th-ranked Colorado women’s basketball team to be at its best and reach the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row, it’s not her points that matter most.
A 6-foot-1 senior guard, Jones is playing her fifth and final season of college basketball, taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A regular starter for the first time in her career, Jones is averaging a career-best 7.3 points per game, but it’s her willingness and do the dirty work that stands out. She’s playing good defense and has career-bests in rebounds (5.7 per game) and blocks (13).
“I think that (role is) what I’ve been embracing since I’ve been here in Colorado,” said Jones, who transferred to CU from Georgetown in 2020. “(Head coach JR Payne), she doesn’t look for me to score but she wants me to do other things.
“I’ve been a scorer at my other schools, just knowing how to score the ball. Now I’m learning how to do the intangibles: rebounding, get steals, playing good defense.”
Last Friday’s 72-65 upset of then-No. 14 Arizona epitomized Jones’ value to the Buffs. She had just one point, but tied for the team lead with nine rebounds and also blocked a shot. Her last two rebounds came in the final 31 seconds, helping the Buffs hang on for the win.
“I thought she had a couple of rebounds in the Arizona game that were absolutely must-get rebounds,” Payne said. “She was that kid that was going up over everybody, giving the extra effort to make that happen.”
The Buffs (14-3, 5-1 Pac-12), who visit California on Friday (12:30 p.m., Pac-12 Network), have had plenty of offensive weapons this year, including Quay Miller, Aaronette Vonleh, Frida Formann and Jaylyn Sherrod.
Jones has had some moments, as well, including a career-high 15 points at Chicago State on Nov. 27. But, more so than ever, she’s bought into the intangibles.
“It’s been a challenge for me but I actually like it because all it’s doing is helping me get better as a player overall and just be more well-rounded,” she said. “It’s fun, though. I’m a competitor, so I just want to win.”
That’s why the Buffs want her on the court often. After starting 12 games in the previous four years combined, she has started 15 games this year and is averaging 22.0 minutes per game – nearly 10 more than last year (12.7).
“She’s a huge contributor,” Payne said. “Tay is doing a great job this year of being like, ‘What do you need me to do?’ There are games that she’s going to have double-digit points. There’s going to be other games where she’s gonna have double-digit rebounds and those rebounds will win the game for us.
“She’s in a good head space, she knows we’re winning and she’s a team player. … I really, really appreciate what she’s bringing.”
