MILWAUKEE — Kam Jones of Marquette is dedicated to honoring the memory of one of his high school coaches this season.
He started the season with a bang, achieving a remarkable triple-double during the Golden Eagles’ 76-58 triumph over No. 6 Purdue on Tuesday night. Jones put up 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking a significant moment as it was the first game he played after learning of the passing of Terry Tippett, who was his coach during his freshman year at Evangelical Christian School in Memphis, Tennessee.
Tippett, who passed away Saturday at the age of 79, had an incredible coaching career, winning six state championships across three different high schools before he retired in 2018, just after Jones’ freshman season. “I wanted to really dedicate this game to him and dedicate the rest of the season to him,” Jones expressed.
This triple-double was the first for the Golden Eagles since Dwyane Wade accomplished it in 2003 during an NCAA Tournament regional final against Kentucky, which ultimately led Marquette to its latest Final Four. Jones acknowledged the honor of being included in such esteemed company.
Before Jones, the only other player in Marquette’s history to achieve a triple-double was Tony Miller, who did so against Wisconsin in 1994. Jones’ performance showcased significant growth as he recorded career highs of 13 rebounds and 10 assists. The 6-foot-5 senior had been the leading scorer for Marquette over the past two seasons, averaging 15.1 points in the 2022-23 Big East championship run and 17.2 points during their Sweet 16 appearance. However, he often played a supporting role to Tyler Kolek and Oso Ighodaro, who were key players last season and both joined the NBA after being selected in the draft.
With Kolek no longer on the team, Jones has shifted focus toward becoming a key distributor. This season, he is scoring an impressive 22.6 points per game while also contributing around six assists on average—an increase from his maximum of 2.4 assists in previous seasons. Marquette coach Shaka Smart highlighted Jones’s evolving playmaking abilities, noting that his previous role required him to concentrate primarily on scoring, but now he’s expected to create opportunities for teammates as well.
Purdue coach Matt Painter recognized the transformation in Jones on the court. “He came here as a shooter. Now he’s a player,” Painter stated, acknowledging the depth Jones has added to his game.
Jones’ approach in the game was evident early on; although he managed just three points in the first half, he tallied six assists and seven rebounds. As the match progressed, he scored ten points in the final 13 minutes, helping to broaden Marquette’s lead. He secured his 10th assist, completing the triple-double, with a well-placed pass to Stevie Mitchell for a corner 3-pointer just 51 seconds before the final buzzer, handing Purdue its first loss in 40 nonconference regular-season games.
Painter praised Jones, describing him as a “seasoned veteran” during the game for his ability to control when and how he scored while also effectively contributing in other aspects of the game. According to Sportradar, Jones’ triple-double was only the 10th instance since the 1996-97 season of a player achieving this feat against a top-10 opponent.
Jones’ all-around performance this season reflects his dedication to improving his skills. “They say what’s done in the dark will come to light,” he remarked, noting his hard work in the gym alongside his coach, watching film during late nights and early mornings to continuously seek improvement. “That’s the name of the game.”