Calling Doctor Jones: Could cut Wildcat cure Championship hangover?

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Experts are debating whether former Wildcat Mason Jones could be the answer to Illawarra’s woes as the Hawks search for a spark in NBL26.

It’s hard to believe the reigning champions are anchored to the bottom of the standings after six games. In fact, they’ve already lost four out of five games, after dropping just nine for the entire Hungry Jack’s NBL25 Season.

Two of their biggest stars, Will Hickey and Sam Froling, have been sidelined through injury, but after such a poor start could it be time for the Hawks to make a bold move?

Debating the topic on Saturday night’s game coverage, NBL champion Pete Hooley pondered an intriguing option for Illawarra’s vacant import spot; recently departed Wildcat Mason Jones.

“If you’re the Illawarra Hawks, are you picking up the phone?” Hooley queried the commentary team.

“I don’t mind it … just to maybe get a trial.

“How would he fit under Justin Tatum? Could JT get the best out of him?

“You get a bigger body alongside Tyler Harvey … does he come off the bench when Will Hickey comes back?”

Jones has an impressive CV, boasting significant NBA and G League experience, including Finals MVP honours barely a few months ago.

And while things didn’t work out in Perth, clearly he hasn’t lost his talent overnight.

“I’m not going to say it should happen definitely … but a guard of that stature, 6 foot 2, 6 foot 3, can play combo. That’s kind of like what Trey Kell III did for them,” Damon Lowery said.

“I don’t know if Mason wants to be in Australia, but I wouldn’t mind bringing him in to have a look.”

Lanard Copeland echoed those thoughts.

“Make the phone call,” he said.

“We picked up a guy called Marcus Timmons [at the Melbourne Tigers] who was floating around after getting cut by Illawarra and we go on and win 18 games in a row.”

Jones averaged 23.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists a game in his most recent G League season, including 30 plus points and an incredible 49 per cent three point shooting clip during the Playoffs.

The 27-year-old flew back to the US on Saturday. Asked whether he had a parting message, he simply answered, “nah. I’m good".