Minnesota Timberwolves rookie point guard Tyus Jones says the news of his head coach Flip Saunders being diagnosed with cancer hit him hard.
“It was definitely pretty sad,” Jones said Wednesday, according to the Pioneer Press. “He’s fighting it. He’s in good spirits and he’ll definitely get through this and still be a part of this team and organization in a big way, like he has been”
“He’s doing good. I’m still praying for him and hoping he can knock this off quickly,” Jones added, per the Star Tribune.
Just last week, the Timberwolves announced that Saunders will remain away from all team activities in order to concentrate on beating Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Doctors initially defined Saunders’ cancer as “very treatable,” but an apparent complication from treatments forced Saunders to be hospitalized.
Praying for @Flip_Saunders ! We all have your back and are pulling for you!
— Tyus Jones (@1Tyus) September 12, 2015
Jones was speaking to reporters Wednesday following an event at his alma mater, Apple Valley High School, where he was a guest speaker motivating students to chase their dreams. FOX 9 has more.
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Earlier Wednesday Jones purchased and gave away 500 Lynx playoff tickets to fans. According to Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, Jones used to practice with the Lynx so he understands what they are going through as they prepare to open a best-of-three series against the Los Angeles Sparks at Target Center Friday night.
Jones and the Timberwolves report to training camp in a couple of weeks; the first preseason game is Oct. 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
