Tyus Jones said news that Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders was taking a leave for cancer treatment hit him hard.
But Jones, a former Apple Valley and Duke standout, has been in contact with Saunders and said his coach is "fighting it" and "in good spirits." Jones spoke Wednesday after a student event at Apple Valley High School as part of the Harbour by Jostens motivational tour.
The Timberwolves' rookie point guard had a strong relationship with Saunders even before the team selected him late in the first round of the NBA draft in June. Saunders, a family friend, attended Jones' high school games.