With one pass Feb. 22, Santa Clara point guard Brian Jones picked up his 500th assist, to go with the more than 1,500 points and 500 rebounds in his collegiate career.
Jones, a starter for four seasons, already had ranked among some of the top players in the school's history. On that list are former Laker Kurt Rambis and current Dallas Maverick guard Steve Nash.
But his combination feat took on greater significance when Oakland Tribune writer Jeff Faraudo researched the 21 Division I universities in California and found that no other player had accomplished it.
UCLA's Bill Walton didn't do that. Neither did USC's Paul Westphal. Not Cal's Jason Kidd. Nor Cal State Fullerton's Leon Wood.
Thousands of players have scored 1,500 points, or grabbed 500 rebounds, or dished out 500 assists. Until now, no one had done all three while playing at a Division I university in California.
"That was kind of mind-bogging," Jones said. "You look at the players that have played at UCLA, Stanford or all the other universities.
"To be the first guy, the only guy to do that is really something."
Jones has been a fixture at the point for Santa Clara since the first game of the 1996-97 season. In four seasons, he has started all but one game.
A three-time All-West Coast Conference first-team selection, Jones is the soul of an 18-11 Bronco team that is peaking as it prepares to play Loyola Marymount in the first round of the WCC tournament today at San Diego's Jenny Craig Pavilion.
"Our program is dictated on what he does for us," Santa Clara Coach Dick Davey said. "He does so many things to help our team. To be a point guard, you have to be that kind of person who is able to take on many responsibilities and he does everything for us."
Jones, a City Section player of the year at Wilmington Banning High, isn't exceptional, despite his honors. He is a 39% shooter and not known as a gifted passer.
But he has averaged 4.9 rebounds over 112 games and has been regarded as one of the conference's most tenacious defenders. Very simply, hard work makes Jones succeed.
"I'm the first to say I'm not a great shooter or a great passer but I think I have great knowledge of the game and I try to be versatile," he said. "I have the attitude that you reap what you sow."
Davey said that attitude rubs off on his teammates.
"He is one of the most competitive players I have ever come across," he said. "The guy works extra hard. I have nothing but respect for what he puts into the game."
