K. C. Jones

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Olympic medal record
Men's Basketball
Gold 1956 Melbourne United States

K. C. Jones (born May 25, 1932 in Taylor, Texas) is a former professional basketball player and coach. He played college basketball at the University of San Francisco and, along with Bill Russell, led the Dons to two NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956. Jones also played with Russell on the 1956 United States men's Olympic basketball team, which won the gold medal at the Melbourne Summer Games. During his playing days, he was known as a tenacious defender. Jones spent all of his nine seasons in the NBA with the Boston Celtics, being part of eight championship teams from 1959 to 1966. In NBA history, only teammates Bill Russell and Sam Jones have won more championship rings during their playing careers. After Boston lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1967 playoffs, Jones ended his playing career.

Jones was the first coach of the San Diego Conquistadors, an American Basketball Association franchise which would have a very short life. A year later, in 1973 he became headcoach of the Capital Bullets (which became the Washington Bullets one year later), coaching them for three seasons. In 1983 he took over as headcoach of the Boston Celtics, replacing Bill Fitch. Jones guided the Larry Bird-lead Celtics to a championship in 1984 and 1986. He briefly coached the Seattle SuperSonics in 1990 and 1991 as well.

"K. C." is his full prenom.

Preceded by
Initial coach
San Diego Conquistadors Head Coach
1972–1973
Succeeded by
Wilt Chamberlain
Preceded by
Gene Shue
Capital Bullets/Washington Bullets Head Coach
1973–1976
Succeeded by
Dick Motta
Preceded by
Bill Fitch
Boston Celtics Head Coach
1983–1988
Succeeded by
Jimmy Rodgers
Preceded by
Bernie Bickerstaff
Seattle SuperSonics Head Coach
1990–1992
Succeeded by
George Karl

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