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DILLON JONES MAKES A MARK IN SUMMER LEAGUE DEBUT
By COLLYN COWLES Editor
Dillon Jones’ path to the NBA took a whirlwind turn through a series of trades, ultimately landing him with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Initially selected by the Washington Wizards as the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Jones was quickly traded to the New York Knicks before finally being acquired by the Thunder in exchange for five future second-round picks. The Thunder’s commitment to securing Jones underscores their belief in his potential, a confidence built on his exceptional performances at Weber State University.
Jones’ selection marks a significant milestone for Weber State, making him the 17th player from their men’s basketball program to be drafted into the NBA, the most in Big Sky Conference history.
Notably, he joins Damian Lillard as the only Wildcats to be chosen in the first round, with Lillard being picked sixth overall in 2012. This achievement emphasizes Weber State’s growing reputation for producing NBA-ready talent, with Jones being the third draft pick from the school in the past 12 years.
During his collegiate career, Jones was a dominant force as a Wildcat. He was named the 2024 Big Sky Conference Most Valuable Player, earning first-team All-District and All-Big Sky honors.
Jones led Weber State to a 20-win season, topping the Big Sky in points, rebounds, and assists — an extraordinary feat that made him the only player in the nation to achieve this in a single season. His impressive performance earned him a spot as one of five finalists for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year award.
In his final season at Weber State, Jones
All-Time Grilling Faves
Dillon Jones playing offense against South Dakota State University. SARA
started 31 games, averaging 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. His statistical accomplishments were remarkable; he became one of only two players since the 1992-93 season to post at least 600 points, 300 rebounds, 150 assists and 50 steals in a season. Nationally, he ranked 11th in double-doubles (18), eighth in minutes played and third in defensive rebounds, while also placing 23rd in both scoring and overall rebounds per game.
One of Jones’ most memorable performances was on Feb. 29 against Northern Colorado, where he tied his career-high with 30 points, set a career-high with 23 rebounds and matched his career-best with nine assists. This made him the first player in college since the 2010-11 season to post 30 points, 23 rebounds and nine assists in a single game.
Jones’ four-year career at Weber State saw him play in 119 games, starting 96 of them. He ranks in the top ten in 13 statistical categories in the school’s history, holding records for steals and ranking second in assists, second in free throws made, third in rebounds and fifth in points. He is also the only player in Big Sky history with at least 1,500 points, 1,000 rebounds, 400 assists and 200 steals, one of only four players nationwide to achieve these numbers since 1992-93.
Jones made a strong debut with the Thunder in the Salt Lake City Summer League, showcasing his versatility and playmaking skills. Against the Philadelphia 76ers, he recorded 9 points, a team-high 10 rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 32 minutes. His ability to control the game and create opportunities for his teammates was evident, drawing praise from Kameron Woods, the Thunder’s summer league head coach.
“He’s a great passer, a great facilitator. He sees both ends well,” Woods remarked.
Jones’ scoring came from various plays, including a pull-up three-pointer, a driving floater and a tough reverse layup. Despite a few missed shots, his effort and ability to generate
open looks for himself and his teammates stood out. Reflecting on his performance, Jones emphasized the importance of effort.
“My thing is just making sure my effort is there,” Jones said. “I’ve got to be able to fill a role, and everything outside of that will come, as long as my efforts are on point.”
In the Salt Lake City Summer League, Jones led the Thunder to a dominant 98–75 victory over the Utah Jazz, pouring in a game-high 21 points while adding seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. He shot an impressive 7-for-8 from the field and was perfect from beyond the arc, demonstrating his scoring efficiency and all-around game.
However, Jones experienced a setback in the next game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Fatigue seemed to play a role as he struggled with his shooting, going 2-for-11 from the field and 1-for-6 from three-point range. Despite the off night, he still contributed with six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Jones’ resilience and positive attitude were evident as he acknowledged the off-game but focused on maintaining his energy and effort.
Looking ahead, Jones remains a promising prospect for the Thunder. As he continues to develop and adapt to the NBA, his college success and strong work ethic are likely to help him carve out a significant role in the league. Thunder fans can look forward to seeing more of Jones’ dynamic play as the team progresses through the Las Vegas Summer League and into the NBA regular season.
Jones’ journey from Weber State to the NBA is a testament to his talent, determination and potential. His early performances with the Thunder have already shown glimpses of what he can bring to the team. As he continues to grow and refine his game, Dillon Jones is poised to make a significant impact in the NBA.
Dillon Jones dunking on Portland State’s basketball team.
DILLON JONES SE DESTACA EN SU ESTRENO EN LA LIGA DE VERANO
POR NELLY HERNANDEZ TEJADA Traductor
POR COLLYN COWLES Editor
El camino de Dillon Jones hacia la NBA dio un giro inesperado a pesar de varios intercambios, y finalmente llegó a los Oklahoma City Thunder. Inicialmente seleccionado por los Washington Wizards como el número 26 del Draft de la NBA 2024, los derechos de Jones pasaron rápidamente a los New York Knicks antes de ser finalmente adquirido por los Thunder a cambio de cinco futuras selecciones de segunda ronda. El compromiso de los Thunder de asegurarse a Jones demuestra que creen en su potencial, una confianza creada a partir de sus excelentes resultados en la Universidad de Weber State.
La selección de Jones marca un logro importante para Weber State, convirtiéndolo en el jugador número 17 de su programa de básquetbol masculino en ser seleccionado por la NBA, el número más alto en la historia del Big Sky Conference.
Notablemente, él se une a Damian Lillard como los únicos Wildcats en ser elegidos en la primera ronda, con Lillard siendo elegido sexto en 2012. Este logro confirma la reputación de Weber State de producir talentos listos para la NBA, con Jones siendo la tercera elección de la universidad en los últimos 12 años.
Durante su carrera universitaria, Jones era una fuerza dominante como Wildcat. Fue nombrado el Jugador Más Valioso en el Big Sky Conference 2024, obteniendo honores del primer equipo de All-District y de All-Big Sky.
Jones guió a Weber State a una temporada de 20 victorias, siendo el mejor de Big Sky en puntos, rebotes y asistencias, una extraordinaria marca que le convirtió en el único jugador del país en lograr esto en una sola temporada. Su sensacional marca le permitió ser uno de los cinco finalistas del premio Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year.
En su última temporada en Weber State, Jones inició 31 partidos, promediando 20,8 puntos, 9,8 rebotes y 5,2 asistencias por partido. Sus éxitos estadísticos fueron extraordinarios; se convirtió en uno de los dos únicos jugadores desde la temporada 1992-93 en conseguir al menos 600 puntos, 300 rebotes, 150 asistencias y 50 robos en una temporada. A nivel nacional, ocupó el número 11 en dobles-dobles (18), el número 8 en minutos jugados y el número 3 en rebotes
defensivos, además de ocupar el puesto 23 en anotación y rebotes totales por partido.
Una de las mejores jugadas de Jones fue el 29 de febrero del 2024, contra Northern Colorado, donde empató el récord de su carrera con 30 puntos, logró su mejor marca con 23 rebotes e igualó la mejor marca de su carrera con nueve asistencias. Esto le convirtió en el primer jugador en la universidad desde la temporada 2010-11 en conseguir 30 puntos, 23 rebotes y nueve asistencias en un solo partido.
En su carrera de cuatro años en Weber State, Jones jugó 119 partidos, iniciando 96
de ellos. Está entre los 10 mejores en 13 categorías estadísticas en la historia de la universidad, manteniendo récords de robos y siendo segundo en asistencias, segundo en tiros libres, tercero en rebotes y quinto en puntos. Además, también es el único jugador en la historia de la Big Sky con al menos 1.500 puntos, 1.000 rebotes, 400 asistencias y 200 robos, uno de los cuatro únicos jugadores en todo el país que ha logrado estos números desde 1992-93.
Jones tuvo un gran debut con los Thunder en el Salt Lake City Summer League, mostrando su versatilidad y habilidad en el juego.
Contra los Philadelphia 76ers, consiguió 9 puntos, 10 rebotes, 7 asistencias y 1 robo en 32 minutos. Su talento en controlar el juego y crear oportunidades a sus compañeros fue evidente, recibiendo felicitaciones de Kam Woods, el entrenador jefe de los Thunder en la liga de verano.
“Es un gran pasador, un gran facilitador. Ve bien los dos lados”, dijo Woods.
Jones marcó en varias jugadas, como una canasta de tres puntos, una canasta flotante y una dura bandeja invertida. A pesar de fallar algunos tiros, su esfuerzo y habilidad para generar oportunidades para él mismo y para sus compañeros fueron notables. Reflexionando sobre los resultados, Jones remarcó la importancia del esfuerzo.
“Lo mío es asegurarse de que mi esfuerzo esté allí”, dijo Jones. “Tengo que ser capaz de cumplir una función, y todo lo demás vendrá, mientras mi esfuerzo sea puntual”.
En el Salt Lake City Summer League, Jones dirigió a los Thunder a una dominante victoria de 98-75 contra los Utah Jazz, con 21 puntos, 7 rebotes, 4 asistencias y un robo. Lanzó un impresionante 7 de 8 en tiros de campo y estuvo perfecto desde más allá del arco, demostrando su eficacia y su capacidad de juego.
A pesar de eso, Jones sufrió un bajón en el siguiente partido, contra los Memphis Grizzlies. El cansancio pareció jugar en su contra, ya que tuvo problemas en el tiro, con 2 de 11 en tiros de campo y 1 de 6 en triples. A pesar de su mala noche, contribuyó con 6 rebotes, 5 asistencias y 3 robos. La resistencia y la actitud positiva de Jones fueron evidentes, ya que reconoció que no había jugado bien, pero se centró en mantener su energía y esfuerzo. Mirando al futuro, Jones sigue siendo un prospecto para los Thunder. Mientras continúa desarrollándose y adaptándose a la NBA, sus éxitos universitarios y su ética de trabajo le ayudarán a conseguir un lugar importante en la liga. Los seguidores de los Thunder pueden esperar ver más del juego dinámico de Jones a medida que el equipo avance dentro de Las Vegas Summer League y en la temporada regular de la NBA.
El camino de Jones de Weber State a la NBA es un testimonio de su talento, determinación y potencial. Sus primeras jugadas con los Thunder ya han mostrado atisbos de lo que puede ofrecer al equipo. A medida que siga creciendo y perfeccionando su juego, Dillon Jones está listo para tener un gran impacto en la NBA.
Dillon Jones on offense for Weber State University.
“A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE” REVIEW
By COOPER HATSIS Assistant Editor
The original 2018 “A Quiet Place” film was a smash hit, so it makes sense for Paramount to capitalize on this property John Krasinski has conjured. Thus we get “A Quiet Place: Day One,” which follows a new set of characters in a bustling New York City. The film follows the story of Samira, played by Lupita Nyong’o, a dying cancer patient who finds herself trapped in New York City during the first few days of the alien invasion.
This latest installment in the “Quiet Place” franchise brings filmmaker Michael Sarnoski to tell this new horror story. Sarnoski brings an original screenplay to the table, which leaves the film with the difficult task of showing this apocalypse in a new setting but also giving audiences a story that does not revolve around the Abbott family from first and second films. With the character of Samira, the film allows itself to play with the idea of what surviving an apocalypse is like even if your days are coming to an end due to illness. The narrative moments that explore this concept are easily some of the strongest in the film, making up for the absence of the already-established characters. Nyong’o gives one of the best performances in this franchise thus far; she has a particular way
of acting with her eyes and facial expressions that is haunting, tragic and can put the audience in her shoes.
Joseph Quinn is also worth bringing up. Quinn is quickly making his ways up the ranks as a rising new star after his performance in “Stranger Things” back in 2022 and his upcoming performances in “Gladiator 2” and Marvel Studios’ “Fantastic Four.”
Similar to Nyong’o (and the rest of the cast), Quinn is tasked with a mostly-silent performance that relies on expressive body language. While Quinn’s character admittedly is not that interesting or unique, he does the most with what he is given. More than anything, Samira’s support cat Frodo steals the show.
“The film also knows how to lean into the more quiet moments and be more conservative with its use of noise, creating an eerie feeling.”
-Cooper Hatsis
the sound design is a prominent highlight. The first “A Quiet Place” film won Best Sound Design at the 2019 Academy Awards. There is certainly an argument to be made that “Day One” will follow a similar trajectory at next year’s Oscar ceremony. The sound design does an effective job at bringing the city of New York to life at the start of the film and showing its downfall as the story progresses. The film also knows how to lean into the more quiet moments and be more conservative with its use of noise, creating an eerie feeling.
moments that benefit this story and show some real craftsmanship, but whether or not this prequel was the most necessary choice for this franchise is up to debate.
“Day One” falls flat when it comes to bringing anything all that new to the table in terms of the alien creatures or why they are even here in the first place. By the time the film ends, more questions have been created rather than answered. It almost feels as if the executives at Paramount said, “What if it was ‘A Quiet Place,’ but in New York!” with no further exploration from there. The film’s meditation around Samira and her illness is what breathes life into an otherwise by-the-books entry in the series.
Despite not bringing anything new to the table for this franchise or the horror-apocalypse genre more broadly, “Day One” is a decent enough time with some strong human moments and one of the best performances given by a cat in any film ever.
Like the other two films in the franchise,
There is a great deal of technical expertise that went into making this film, showing Sarnoski as an up-and-coming director to keep an eye on. There are many disorienting and chaotic action/horror
REVISTA DE “A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE”
POR NATHANAEL STOUT
Traductor
POR COOPER HATSIS
Editor Asistente
La película original de 2018 llamada “A Quiet Place” fue un gran éxito, así que tiene sentido que Paramount quiere capitalizar en esta propiedad que fue creada por John Krasinski. Así, tenemos “A Quiet Place: Day One”, que enfoque en un nuevo par de personajes en un ciudad frenética, Nueva York. La película sigue la historia de Samira, interpretada por Lupita Nyong’o, una paciente con cáncer que está atrapada en Nueva York durante los primeros días de la invasión extraterrestre. Esta nueva entrega en la franquicia “Quiet Place” invita al cineasta Michael Sarnoski a contar esta nueva historia de horror. Sarnoski llevó un guión original al proyecto, el cual presenta un desafío difícil de mostrar un lado distinto del apocalipsis que ofrece una historia
a la audiencia que no involucra a la familia Abbott de las dos primeras películas.
Con el personaje de Samira, la película se permite experimentar con la idea de cómo sería sobrevivir en un apocalipsis cuando la vida va a terminar debido a la enfermedad. Los momentos narrativos que exploran ese concepto fácilmente son los mejores de la película, lo que compensa la falta de personajes establecidos. La actuación de Nyong’o es una de las mejores de la franquicia hasta ahora. Ella tiene una manera de actuar con sus ojos y expresiones faciales que es inquietante, trágica y pone a la audiencia en sus zapatos.
Joseph Quinn también merece algún comentario. Quinn rápidamente sube los rangos como una estrella venidera después de su actuación en “Stranger Things” en 2022 y va a actuar en las películas “Gladiator 2” y “Fantastic Four” de Marvel Studios. Similarmente a Nyong’o (y el resto del reparto), Quinn tenía que actuar, más que nada, silenciosamente y depender en el lenguaje corporal expresivo. A
pesar de que su personaje no es muy único ni interesante, hace lo mejor posible con lo que fue dado. Por encima de todo, Frodo, el gato de Samira, fue la sensación de la película.
Como las otras dos películas de la franquicia, el diseño del sonido es la parte más memorable aquí. La primera película ganó el premio de mejor diseño de sonido en los Academy Awards de 2019. Ciertamente hay un argumento de que “Day One” va a seguir un trayecto similar en los Oscars del próximo año. El diseño de sonido hace bien al animar la ciudad de Nueva York al principio de la película y mostrar su destrucción durante la historia. La película también entiende la importancia de enfocar en los momentos silenciosos y ser moderado con su uso de ruido, lo que crea un sentido inquietante.
Hay una gran cantidad de habilidad técnica utilizada en la creación de la película, demostrando que Sarnoski es un director que merece la atención. Hay muchos momentos desorientadores de acción y horror que son
beneficiosos para la historia y muestran artesanía verdadera, pero la cuestión de si esta precuela fue necesaria para la franquicia es debatible.
“Day One” fracasa en presentar mucho nuevo en relación a las criaturas extraterrestres o por qué están aquí en primer lugar. Al terminar la película, más preguntas han aparecido que han sido contestadas. Casi se siente como si los ejecutivos de Paramount dijeran “¿y si fuera “A Quiet Place”, pero en Nueva York?” sin ninguna exploración más. La meditación de la película sobre Samira y su enfermedad es lo que infunde vida a lo que es mayormente una entrega convencional en la serie.
A pesar de la falta de ideas nuevas para la franquicia y, en términos generales, los géneros de horror y apocalipsis, “Day One” es una
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Lupita Nyong’o as Samira in “A Quiet Place: Day One” from Paramount Pictures.
INKED UP IN OGDEN: NATIONAL TATTOO DAY WITH
MORNINGSTAR TATTOO
July 17 is National Tattoo Day. Some celebrate by going down memory lane with their tattoos while others prepare to add to their body collage at a local tattoo shop. Local tradition, however, sees the inked thanking their local tattoo artists or showing off their new design using #NationalTattooDay on social media.
Getting a tattoo is a rite of passage in many cultures. The buzz of needles on skin is therapeutic for some. For others, it is scary, painful and something to endure.
“The preparation you do for a tattoo — finding an artist you like and figuring out what you want and where you want it, that process is like dating,” David Harrison, an Ogden local, said.
“Getting the tattoo is like a marriage because you’ll have it forever. Once you get the tattoo you are married. You are committed. That is a part of your life, and parting ways is typically painful and expensive.”
Sean Lisonbee, tattoo artist and 11-year veteran in the tattoo industry began his apprenticeship at 19. He now owns Morningstar Tattoo shop at 3679 Harrison Blvd., across the street from Weber State University. Sean does all tattoo styles except for words. He specializes in neo-traditional.
“Morningstar Tattoo is unique because of its gothic aesthetic. We travel a lot. We do a lot of conventions. We do 8-9 conventions a year as a shop,” Lisonbee said. “I feel that is the way you grow the most. You surround yourself with purists. And we only do custom tattoos.”
There is a special community of artists and aficionados who have a deeper pride in the art
of tattoo.
“Those of us who really care about the tattoo community are all friends.” Lisonbee said. “A lot of people here are fairly connected.”
Something important to remember when getting a tattoo is giving a tip for the artist. Lisonbee explained the culture behind this.
“Tipping comes from a place where shops are used to doing a split percentage. This means that the owner takes a percentage of the amount the tattoo artist makes,” Lisonbee said. “I don’t believe I have a right to someone’s money. If you are giving 50% of your wage to the owner, a tip, then, is very customary. Because a tip then goes straight into the tattoo artist’s pocket. So, 10% is a decent tip, 20% is an excellent tip. By tipping, it lets the artist know you appreciated what they did and you liked it.”
Another common question people have is
how best to take care of their tattoos. Lisonbee said using sunscreen and lotion, keeping up vitamin A and D levels and staying hydrated are key to keeping tattoos looking fresh.
When getting a tattoo, many people might not think about how much goes into the design, but it’s more involved for the artist than simply sitting down and laying the ink. Lisonbee said he could spend 6 hours just on drawing the tattoo for the client.
Choosing a tattoo can be daunting. With so many designs and artists to choose from, it can seem like the choices are endless. However, Lisonbee is happy to help those looking for their first or next tattoo.
“Look at the profiles online and pick an artist, or if you can’t pick an artist come in and we’ll talk to you about what you want and find the artist that can make it happen,” Lisonbee said.
Photos and Story By TENAYA HYDE Reporter
TOP LEFT: The inside of Morningstar Tattoo RIGHT: Sean Lisonbee, owner of Morningstar Tattoo BOTTOM LEFT: Designs framed on the walls of Morningstar Tattoo
JOIN WSU OUTDOOR PROGRAM’S TRIP TO MOAB
By WIKTORIA KOLODZIEJCZYK Reporter
Weber State University’s Outdoor Program’s Moab Whitewater Rafting Trip is set to take place from July 26 to 28. Participants must be at least 18 years of age to take part. The prices to participate are $150 for students with an active wildcard, $225 for staff and faculty and $300 for community members. The cost includes transportation to and from Moab, all the equipment including rafting and camping gear, as well as the main meals.
The Moab Whitewater Rafting Trip offers organized and guided exploration of the great outdoors in Southern Utah under the guidance of professional WSU Outdoor Program leaders.
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This long-awaited experience will begin on July 26 as all the participants will depart from WSU Campus and head towards Moab. The plan is to enjoy a hearty camp dinner under the stars on the first night after arriving.
July 27 is the main event, as all the adventurers will run down the Fisher Towers section of the Colorado River, also known as the Moab Daily. This section of the river offers rapids up to Class III, providing plenty of thrills for both novice and experienced rafters. After a day of excitement, participants will return to camp, enjoy a delicious dinner, and use this opportunity to socialize and connect with other outdoor enthusiasts.
Before departing back to Ogden on July 28, a short hike might be possible in the morning, making this trip a perfect blend of adventure
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MASTER OF SCIENCE
and relaxation, allowing participants to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. Pre-registration is required as well as a pretrip meeting that will take place on July 23 at 6 p.m. at the Outdoor Adventure and Welcome Center on campus. The meet-up will cover all the essential details including safety protocols, equipment distribution and any other questions that may arise during preparations. To register, visit the WSU Outdoor Program website or contact Outdoor Program Coordinator Hayley Prine at hayleyprine@weber.edu.
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A photo of red rock formations in Moab, Utah taken in July 2021.
ANNA KUGLAR
