Wil Jones (basketball coach)
| Sport(s) | Basketball |
|---|---|
| Biographical details | |
| Born |
October 26, 1938 Washington, D.C. |
| Died |
March 12, 2014 (aged 75) Virginia Beach, Virginia |
| Playing career | |
| 1957–1960 | American |
| Position(s) | Point guard |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| ?–? | 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 "Wil" 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 2 Schudel, Matt (March 14, 2014). "Wil Jones, flamboyant UDC basketball coach, dies at 75". Washington Post. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
- ↑ Jackson, Roger (December 1, 1980). "A big one who thought small". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
- ↑ Phillips, Angus (November 24, 1982). "UDC's Ready For a Run at Second Title". Washington Post. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
- ↑ "Report: NCAA to investigate 3 sports at UDC". United Press International. December 21, 1990. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
- ↑ Asher, Mark (March 31, 1993). "Five years later, Jones back at UDC". Washington Post. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
- ↑ "Norfolk State's Jones Relieved of Coaching Duties". Omnidan News. March 6, 2002. Retrieved May 17, 2017.