Terrence Jones
A versatile forward whose powerful college career at Kentucky launched him into a global basketball journey across leagues and continents.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American basketball player·Birthday: January 9·Millennials
Biography
Terrence Jones arrived at the University of Kentucky as part of a recruiting class charged with returning the Wildcats to glory. In Lexington, under John Calipari, he flourished as a modern, multi-faceted forward—a 6'9" player who could handle the ball, shoot from outside, and protect the rim. He was a crucial component of the 2012 NCAA championship team, a squad stacked with future NBA talent. Selected in the first round of the NBA draft by the Houston Rockets, Jones showed flashes of his Kentucky form, with nights of double-doubles and defensive versatility. But sustaining a consistent role in the league proved elusive. What followed was the life of a global basketball journeyman. Jones took his game to the Philippines, China, Puerto Rico, and the Middle East, often dominating in these leagues and winning championships. His career arc reflects that of many highly-touted college stars, finding success and reinvention on an international stage far from the NBA spotlight.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Terrence was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Terrence Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Terrence's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NCAA National Championship with the Kentucky Wildcats in 2012.
- Named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2013 with the Houston Rockets.
- Scored a career-high 36 points in an NBA game for the Houston Rockets in 2014.
- Led the TNT KaTropa to the PBA Commissioner's Cup championship in the Philippines, winning Finals MVP in 2019.
Did You Know?
In high school, he was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Oregon.
He played on the same legendary 2012 Kentucky team as Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
He has a twin brother, Terrell, who also played college basketball.
“I just wanted to win, and I did whatever Coach Cal needed from me to make that happen.”
