MIAMI, Dec. 20 This week, Sunshine Network, the exclusive South Florida home of Miami HEAT basketball, premieres the second episode of its acclaimed INSIDE THE HEAT show, a new television series focusing on HEAT players behind-the-scenes and away from the court.
HEAT shooting guard Eddie Jones is the focus of the second episode, which premieres this week and airs several times during late December and into January. A complete list of airdates/times is listed below.
Hosted by Sunshines Eric Reid, INSIDE THE HEAT: EDDIE JONES shows viewers Jones unlikely rise to stardom from a skinny youth growing up on the inner streets of Pompano Beach to a successful college career at Temple then an NBA career that saw him begin in Los Angeles, one of the leagues biggest & brightest stages, and eventually landing back in the city where his journey began. His struggles, successes and inspirations along the way are all depicted by those friends, coaches and family members closest to Jones.
Jones mother, Frances Thigpen, discusses some of her proudest moments of her son, including his stellar career at Temple, which included a surprising run to the elite eight in the 1993 NCAA Tournament, and the day Eddie was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, fulfilling a longtime dream. Jones discusses in-depth his special bond with legendary Temple coach John Chaney, who served not only as a coach in Eddies life, but also as a father-figure and mentor following the death of his father. Eddie contemplated quitting basketball at that point, but found strength in Chaneys support and in his teammate and best friend at Temple, Aaron McKie, who had a similar rough childhood and helped get Eddie through the tough times that followed.
Jones also discusses losing his love for the game of basketball while playing for the Lakers, and how he re-gained that love following a trade to the Charlotte Hornets. There, his game reached All-Star levels, eventually allowing Jones to land back in Miami, thanks to the trade made by then-head coach Pat Riley that brought his career full-circle.
INSIDE THE HEAT: EDDIE JONES also features the community service projects that have made Jones such a beloved figure in South Florida, including his commitment to the Boys & Girls Club. Trina Jones, Eddies wife, also discusses her feelings on the difference her husband has made in the community.
Players and coaches who share their thoughts include former Temple teammate Aaron McKie, current HEAT players Dwyane Wade, Shaquille ONeal and Rasual Butler, HEAT head coach Stan Van Gundy, HEAT President Pat Riley, and Jones high school coach Wade Edmond.
Produced jointly by Sunshine Network and the Miami HEAT, INSIDE THE HEAT: EDDIE JONES airs as follows: