Wil Jones (basketball coach)

Wil Jones
Sport(s) Basketball
Biographical details
Born (1938-10-26)October 26, 1938
Washington, D.C.
Died March 12, 2014(2014-03-12) (aged 75)
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Playing career
1957–1960 American
Position(s) Point guard
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1971–1976 Robinson Secondary School
1976–1979 Maryland (assistant)
1979–1988,
1993–1999		 District of Columbia
1999–2002 Norfolk State
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
NCAA Division II championship (1982)

William Stigler Jones (October 26, 1938 – March 12, 2014) was an American college basketball coach, known for his tenures at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and Norfolk State University.

Jones was a star high school and college player as a 5'9" point guard. He played college basketball at American University, where he was a college Division All-American. The Eagles retired his number after his career was over. Following his playing career, he became a high school coach for Robinson Secondary School.[1]

After a stint as an assistant for Lefty Driesell at Maryland, Jones was named head coach at UDC in 1979. The next season, he was able to sign Earl Jones, a 6'11" high school All-American who had been recruited by the top programs in the country, but had an uncertain academic future.[2] Jones teamed with fellow future NBA player Michael Britt to lead the Firebirds to back to back NCAA Division II Final Fours, winning the national championship in 1982.[3]

In 1988, eligibility irregularities were found in Jones' UDC program. The school had to forfeit 11 games for playing an ineligible transfer and he was reassigned and then fired.[4] He was also accused of financial improprieties and of failing graduation rates. However, after five years Jones was reinstated as head coach by legal order.[5]

In 1999, Jones moved to Norfolk State, citing a desire to coach at the Division I level. He was head coach for the Spartans for three seasons, compiling a record of 34–52.[6]

Jones died of cancer in Virginia Beach, Virginia on March 12, 2014.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 Schudel, Matt (March 14, 2014). "Wil Jones, flamboyant UDC basketball coach, dies at 75". Washington Post. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  2. ↑ Jackson, Roger (December 1, 1980). "A big one who thought small". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  3. ↑ Phillips, Angus (November 24, 1982). "UDC's Ready For a Run at Second Title". Washington Post. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Report: NCAA to investigate 3 sports at UDC". United Press International. December 21, 1990. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  5. ↑ Asher, Mark (March 31, 1993). "Five years later, Jones back at UDC". Washington Post. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Norfolk State's Jones Relieved of Coaching Duties". Omnidan News. March 6, 2002. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
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