Texas’ Mohamed Bamba wears an "AJ1" patch to show support for teammate Andrew Jones, who is battling leukemia. Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press
Texas’ Mohamed Bamba wears an "AJ1" patch to show support for teammate Andrew Jones, who is battling leukemia.

AUSTIN – Texas will keep sophomore guard Andrew Jones close to the heart even as he remains away from the team.

The team on Wednesday announced it will wear a stitched "AJ1" patch on its jerseys for the remainder of the season to honor Jones, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. It will also wear "AJ1" warm-up shirts.

Several players will also wear a black "AJ1" wristband.

Jones appeared in eight games this season before suffering a wrist injury against VCU. He returned against Kansas after missing four games, but played only nine minutes. He played 11 minutes in an overtime win over Iowa State. It was the last time he appeared in a Longhorns uniform.

"I try to go see him every day," coach Shaka Smart said. "I don't want to comment too much on him to respect the privacy of his family, but I enjoy getting the chance to see him. He's got an incredible spirit. And he's a guy that is a great fighter. And it really provides a sense of perspective and understanding for me."

In UT's first game after Jones' diagnosis was made public, Oklahoma State presented the Longhorns with a basketball signed by members of the team and coaching staff. And a family-approved fundraising website has already raised more than $130,000.

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"The level of support that people have provided, it says a lot about Texas and about how much people care about the student-athletes that make this place athletically what it is," Smart said. "I really appreciate the fact that people care so much, that they've reached out. And I know people will continue to do so because this is a long-term fight. It's a daily battle for Andrew. But people being behind him and supporting him, even if it's from afar, I know it means a lot."

nmoyle@express-news.net

Twitter: @NRMoyle