Bob Jones (basketball, born 1940)

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Bob Jones
Biographical details
Born(1940-02-20)February 20, 1940
Bellevue, Kentucky, U.S.
DiedMay 14, 2021(2021-05-14) (aged 81)
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Playing career
1959–1962Georgetown (KY)
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1965–1967Georgetown (KY) (assistant)
1967–1972Kentucky Wesleyan (assistant)
1972–1980Kentucky Wesleyan
Administrative career (AD unless noted)
1972–1980Kentucky Wesleyan
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
NCAA Division II Tournament (1973)
Awards
NABC Division II Coach of the Year (1973)

Robert Earl Jones[1] (February 20, 1940 – May 14, 2021) was an American college basketball coach who was a men's head coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College. He played basketball at Georgetown College in Kentucky. He worked two years as assistant coach at Georgetown College before becoming assistant-coach with the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers in 1967. In 1972, he was promoted to head coach, after the resignation of Bob Daniels. Jones was also named the school's athletic director, succeeding William Douglas, who had resigned earlier in the year.[2][3][4]

Jones was fired as head coach in December 1979, but agreed to finish the season. On February 25, 1980, he coached his last game at Kentucky Wesleyan.[5] He was hampered in his career by ailment and accusations of unenthusiastic recruiting.[6] Jones resigned as athletic director in July.[7]

Jones brought The Panthers to the 1973 NCAA Men's Division II Basketball Championship.[8]

Jones died in Cincinnati on May 14, 2021, at age 81.[9]

Head coaching record[edit]

Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Kentucky Wesleyan (Independent) (1972–1978)
1972–73 Kentucky Wesleyan 24–6 NCAA Div II Champion
1973–74 Kentucky Wesleyan 20–6 NCAA Div II Sweet 16
1974–75 Kentucky Wesleyan 12–13
1975–76 Kentucky Wesleyan 14–11
1976–77 Kentucky Wesleyan 11–14
1977–78 Kentucky Wesleyan 14–11
Kentucky Wesleyan (Great Lakes Valley Conference) (1978–1980)
1978–79 Kentucky Wesleyan 12–14 2–6 5th
1979–80 Kentucky Wesleyan 12–15 4–6 4th
Kentucky Wesleyan: 119–90 6–12
Total: 119–90

      National champion         Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion         Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion       Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Robert Jones Obituary (1940–2021) – Alexandria, KY – Kentucky Enquirer".
  2. ^ Beattie, Leal (April 25, 1972). "Bob Jones Elevated To Head Coach Spot". Messenger-Inquirer. p. A-1. Retrieved May 16, 2021 – via Newspaper.com.
  3. ^ "Wesleyan assistant Bob Jones promoted". United Press International. April 25, 1972. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  4. ^ "Boles named Wesleyan assistant". Evansville Press. May 31, 1972. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  5. ^ "Bob Jones wins his final game". Evansville Press. February 26, 1980. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  6. ^ Happy Days Are Here Again
  7. ^ "Jones resigns as AD at KWC". Messenger-Inquirer. July 20, 1980. p. B-1. Retrieved May 16, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ Championship History
  9. ^ Pickerill, Roy (May 14, 2021). "Former Kentucky Wesleyan College Basketball Coach Bob Jones Passes Away". Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletic Communications Office. Retrieved May 15, 2021.