PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. – The Phoenix Suns announced Tuesday that they have assigned Derrick Jones Jr. to the Northern Arizona Suns.

Jones returns to Prescott Valley where he spent much of last year in Northern Arizona’s inaugural season.

This is Jones’ first assignment of the season to Phoenix’s NBA G League affiliate, and the seventh of his career.

The 6-foot 7-inch, 195-pound forward averaged 14.5 points on 49.5 percent shooting, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in 19 contests (17 starts) for the NAZ Suns last year.

Also known as Airplane Mode for his incredible leaping ability, Jones quickly got attention nationwide for his thunderous dunks while playing for the Northern Arizona Suns. That attention turned into an official invitation for the NBA’s Verizon Slam Dunk last year, where he took second place in the annual dunk contest.

Jones averaged 1.8 points on 50 percent shooting and 0.8 rebounds per game for the Phoenix Suns this season, appearing in four games.

The NAZ Suns next play on Thursday against the Iowa Wolves at 6:30 p.m. at the Prescott Valley Event Center.

Season tickets are on sale for the Northern Arizona Suns’ second year in the NBA G League. Visit nazsuns.com/memberships to view available full or half season membership options at the Prescott Valley Event Center. Season tickets start at just $192 and come with a plethora of benefits, including first right of refusal for playoff tickets and exclusive events with the team.