The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

Kai Jones continued his impressive start to the new season in Turkey on Sunday, posting a double double and earning Most Valuable Player honours as Anadolu Efes defeated Bordo Sportif Balikesir 85-79 in the Turkish Basketball Super League.

The Bahamian forward/centre finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes, going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field and 1-for-1 at the free throw line. His 23 efficiency rating was the highest of any player in the game.

Jones also pulled down five offensive rebounds and five defensive rebounds while finishing the game without a turnover, providing an important presence around the basket as Efes improved to 2-0 in the Turkish league.

Efes led 61-53 heading into the fourth quarter before Bordo Sportif mounted a late comeback and cut the deficit to two points with roughly 30 seconds remaining. The visitors responded from the free throw line to close out the six point victory.

Head coach Pablo Laso credited his team’s mentality and focus after the difficult road victory, particularly with Efes managing the game despite being without some players.

“Some of our players could not play, but we showed our focus and passion in the game,” Laso said. “We knew the game could come down to the final possessions. We are happy with the victory.”

Jordan Loyd led Efes with 15 points, while Collin Malcolm added 13 and Matthew Strazel finished with 14 points and nine assists. Dario Saric contributed 10 points as five Efes players reached double figures.

Sunday’s performance adds to what has already been a productive period for Jones in Turkey.

The 25-year-old Nassau native was named the Turkish Basketball Super League’s Player of the Month for March last season, becoming one of the league’s recognised performers despite playing a limited role for Efes.

He finished the 2025-26 season having appeared in 36 EuroLeague games, averaging 3.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 15.5 minutes per game. His most eye-catching statistic was his 92.1 per cent shooting from the field, as he made 58 of his 63 attempts. In the Turkish league, he shot 96.7 per cent, making 58 of 60 attempts. Across both competitions, he was 116-for-123 from the field.

Jones also opened the current campaign with a piece of silverware, helping Anadolu Efes capture the VTB United League SuperCup in September with an 88-82 victory over Lokomotiv Kuban. He contributed six points, six rebounds and one assist in the championship game after recording 11 points and eight rebounds in the opening-round victory over Zenit Saint Petersburg.

The SuperCup victory was significant for Efes, which became the first non-Russian club to win the competition since its creation.

Jones has also spoken about the growth he has experienced since moving into European basketball, saying the emphasis on preparation and consistency has become increasingly important to his development.

“I just understand the importance of making the most of every day. Every practice, shootaround, film session,” Jones told Basketball Sphere. “We make sure that we’re improving ourselves and holding each other accountable.”

That development has continued into his second season with Efes, which extended Jones’ contract through the 2027-28 season following his first campaign in Istanbul.