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Mark "Hollywood" Jones
Hometown: Norwich, CT
College: Dayton University
Height: 6' 1"
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The Harlem Superstars added an exciting point guard named Mark "Hollywood" Jones from Norwich, Connecticut. Mark started playing basketball at the age of five. He instantly fell in love with the game. His dad often had to convince him to put down the ball and come in to eat. Mark realized that if he worked hard and practiced, he might someday receive a basketball scholarship to college and get a good education. This motivated Mark to work every day to become a great basketball player.
Mark's hard work and dedication paid off when he entered high school at Norwich Free Academy. He was selected as the starting point guard for the basketball team. Mark flourished immediately. His ball handling skills were incredible and he was a poised point guard who had the trust of his coach. Because Mark was only 6'1" he understood that in order to get a basketball scholarship to college he had to keep working hard. He wanted to show the college coaches that he was good enough to play Division One basketball. Mark was labeled a "gym rat." He was always in the gym working tirelessly to become the best guard in the nation, just like he did as kid.
Mark was not satisfied; he loved his high school team, but his dreams were to play Division One basketball. His dreams came true when he was offered a basketball scholarship to attend the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. "This was one of the happiest days of my life," says Mark.
At Dayton, Mark had the pleasure of going to the NCAA tournament for three consecutive years. He was the starting point guard for all of Dayton's tournament teams. Mark was famous for being a point guard who understood the game. And he rarely turned the ball over. In basketball, a coach's dream is to have a point guard who does not turn the ball over because turnovers can cost a team the game. Unfortunately for Mark, the coach who recruited him to Dayton left for another job when Mark was a senior. He was disappointed because he had a good relationship with his previous coach. Thinking his new coach may want to bring in his own players to develop a new system, Mark quickly realized that he had to adjust and be ready for whatever task was asked of him. Mark's senior year was eventful. He had to share point guard duties with another player that the new coach had brought in. Instead of complaining, he continued to work and be positive.
Although, Mark did not have the senior year that he would have liked because of coaching changes, he found a way to attract some attention from overseas professional basketball teams. He was offered a professional contract to play in France. Mark deserved this opportunity because he put in many hours practicing so that one day he could play professional basketball.
In the summer, Mark attends basketball camps throughout Connecticut and gives demonstrations on ball handling. The kids marvel at his two ball dribbling demonstrations. Mark was recommended to the Harlem Superstars by the owner of Hoops Academy Basketball Camp, George Hardison. The Harlem Superstars were in need of a point guard and "Mark fit every category we are looking for," says owner Ricky Lopes. Mark "Hollywood" Jones accepted a contract to play for the Harlem Superstars for the 2008/2009 season.
Come to our show and you will see Hollywood in action with behind-the-back passes, fancy dribbling, and three-point shooting. He is truly sensational!
Lessons learned for kids and parents: From a young age Mark understood that hard work would help him reach his goals and dreams. Practicing every day is what helped Mark become a great basketball player. Mark also had a great attitude and remained positive. Practice makes perfect!
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