Hoops Highlights: Tanner JonesHoops Highlights: Tanner Jones
Conor Kvatek / UCF Athletics

Hoops Highlights: Tanner Jones

by Aiden Kocol

ORLANDO – Before he could walk, Tanner Jones was sitting in locker rooms with the pros. Before he could dribble, he was already navigating arenas behind the scenes. And long before he had made his first bucket, he had already witnessed an NBA championship from the first row.

Now, as the youngest name on the UCF men’s basketball 2025-26 roster, Jones is looking to build a legacy of his own.

Jones grew up around the game in a way few others can claim. By the time he was born, his father, Dahntay Jones, had already been in the league a few years, having been selected as the 20th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he played out the first four years of his NBA tenure.

So, for Jones, basketball wasn’t just a game; it was woven into his family fabric.

“When I was born, he was in the NBA, so basketball was pretty much all I knew. I was going with him to games, getting ready with him for games, walking with him in the tunnel for games, and was in the locker room with him before games, where he’d have me with all his teammates."

Tanner JonesOn growing up with his dad in the NBA
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But it wasn’t the glitz and glamour of the NBA that drew Jones into playing; it was his father’s perseverance, humility, and love for the game. 

After a decade in the league, Jones Sr. found himself in the G-League. A humbling detour that might have signaled the end of his career. But then came an unexpected call-up from the Cleveland Cavaliers – a call that ended with a championship ring. 

That 2016 season was unforgettable. It broke the infamous Cleveland sports curse and made history as the Cavaliers’ first, and only, championship win. It was also the first time any team had ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals to win it all.

A season that Jones recalls as the highlight of not only his dad’s career but the crux of his motivation to play the game.

On the left: Tanner with his dad Dahntay after a Denver Nuggets game

"I got to witness the whole thing. I was at Game 7, and had never cried over a game of basketball until then. Just watching how happy he was winning that game, just being a part of that was probably one of my most motivating experiences."

Tanner JonesOn his dad's championship season

Not everyone can say they had an NBA champion teach them how to dribble and shoot. But, despite the pedigree, there was never pressure. Jones Sr. didn’t demand his son follow in his path; instead, he simply opened the door, allowing his son to choose any path he wanted.  

TANNER ON THE COURT PREGAME WITH HIS DADTANNER ON THE COURT PREGAME WITH HIS DAD

"He's been my biggest idol all my life. He was there every step of the way, like from showing me how to dribble to how to shoot. And it was never forced, he never forced me to play basketball."

Tanner JonesOn his dad's support throughout his life
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Ultimately, that journey brought him to UCF. Another full circle moment as Jones committed to play under the same man who coached his father at Duke, head coach Johnny Dawkins. 

Back then, Dawkins served as associate head coach under Mike Krzyzewski, helping guide the Blue Devils to a national championship in 2001, along with six ACC regular-season titles and seven ACC Tournament championships during his tenure. Under Dawkins’ guidance, Jones Sr. carved out a key role on that 2001-02 Duke team, racking up 392 points and earning a reputation as the team’s primary defensive anchor.

It was more than the highlights or accolades that stuck out to Jones when committing to UCF, though. It was the belief Dawkins had in his father over two decades ago, and the continued trust he now places in him.

It’s a shared vision echoed by Jones’ father, who sees Dawkins not only as a coach but also as someone who understands where his son comes from and is equally invested in where his son is going.

"Coach [Dawkins] was then who he is now. He was the same way when he was coaching my pops, and it brought the best out of him. So, my dad has a lot of trust and a lot of faith in Coach Dawkins and what he stands for and how he is as a person and coach, and I trust both of them."

Tanner JonesOn his vision committing to UCF

That kind of trust will be key to this season, as the Knights return zero points and zero starters. And while it’s easy to look at the Black and Gold’s reloaded roster and see instability, Jones actually sees strength, not a setback. 

As one of the team’s only true freshmen, he credits his veteran teammates for stepping up early, embracing leadership roles, and creating a culture rooted in support and accountability. They’ve helped guide his transition, but more importantly, they’ve helped establish a team identity that thrives on playing to each other’s strengths, not just their own. 

"They want me to see me do good. They know I'm gonna be in college for a lot longer, than the the time they have left. 
So they're just trying to show me the ropes and help me out."

Tanner JonesOn the guidance from older players
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Surrounded by teammates who lead with purpose and play for each other, he’s found not only his footing, but a sense of empowerment, now ready to step out of his father’s path and blaze his own, one possession at a time.

"My dad has always instilled in me that I could be way bigger, way better than he ever was, and just imagining that has always been a motivation. I'm making my own name for myself."

Tanner JonesOn the legacy he wants to make

About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.