NORFOLK, Va. – For the second time in program history, Old Dominion University has hired an alumnus to coach its men's basketball team, as ODU Director of Athletics Dr. Wood Selig announced that Mike Jones will be a 14th-year student.th Head coach in program history. Jones was introduced to the media and public at a press conference in the Big Blue Room at Chartway Arena on Friday morning.
“Today is an exciting day for Old Dominion University, ODU Athletics, and the men's basketball program! We extend our warmest wishes to Mike Jones as he rejoins our great university and, most importantly, the ODU family. “We are honored to welcome him. He is no stranger to our campus and community,” said ODU President Dr. Brian O. Hemphill. He said. “I have really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know him personally and professionally over the past few days. He is a great character with a drive and determination, grace and grit to succeed.” I am confident that we will continue to develop based on the strong foundation we have built. jeff jones. Under his leadership, the future of our men’s basketball program is bright!”
Jones becomes the second ODU graduate to become the head coach of his alma mater, joining Oliver Parnell, who played his first three seasons at ODU. He is also the third African-American head coach in program history, joining Parnell and the late Jeff Capel.
“We are excited to welcome ODU graduate Mike Jones to our 14-man roster.”th Head coach of the men's basketball team. Our new head coach's ability to recruit both high school athletes and transfer student athletes, player development, coaching acumen, style of play, community involvement, impeccable character, and proven history of success. It was essential to check all the important items. “Mike Jones checks all of these boxes,” Selig said, adding, “In Mike Jones, ODU has the ability to experience success at the highest level and maintain competitive excellence. We have a leader who knows what is needed.” The fact that he is one of us is even better. Welcome back Coach Jones, I think the Hampton Roads community is ready to fill his arena and help you win a championship. ”
Jones, an Old Dominion alumnus who played for the Monarchs from 1991-95 and was part of two tournament-winning teams and the biggest win in ODU history, spent this season as an assistant coach at the University of Maryland. , returns to ODU.
“I couldn't be more excited. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! My family and I can't wait to officially become Monarchs, representing a world-class university under the leadership of President Hemphill and A.D. Selig.” No,” Jones said. “ODU is home to me, and we are ready to work to restore this program to something that the entire Norfolk and Hampton Roads community can be proud of.”
After 19 highly successful years as the head coach at DeMartha High School in Maryland, Jones joined the college ranks as Virginia Tech's associate head coach in 2021. He spent two seasons in Blacksburg, helping the Hokies to a 42-28 record in those two years. In his first season, Virginia Tech defeated No. 7 Duke University to win its first-ever ACC tournament championship. In his second season, the Hokies advanced to the NIT with wins over No. 18 North Carolina and No. 6 Virginia.
As head coach at DeMartha High School, Jones won nine Washington Catholic Athletic Conference regular season championships, eight WCAC Tournament championships, four Maryland Private School Tournament championships, and in 2006 He won the U.S. Championship once. Nine players went on to play during his tenure. NBA. Jones compiled a 511-119 (.811) record during his time at DeMartha and won more than 600 games as a head coach, including games with USA Basketball.
In addition to his experience developing players at the high school level, Jones has extensive ties to USA Basketball. Jones was named co-winner of the 2019 USA Basketball Developmental Coach of the Year Award after serving in three coaching roles with USA Basketball alone in 2019. He led the 2019 U.S. Basketball Men's U16 National Team to a gold medal at the FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Brazil, served as the lead coach for the 2019 U.S. Men's Junior National Team's July minicamp, and served as the lead coach for the 2019 U.S. Men's Junior National Team to a gold medal at the FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Brazil. He served as the court coach for the junior varsity team. Mini camp in October.
Jones also served as the head coach of the U.S. Nike Hoop Summit team in 2013, 2014 and 2018, and was an assistant coach with the U.S. Hoop Summit in 2012 and 2017.
He began his USA Basketball career as an assistant coach for the 2004 Youth Development Festival East team. He won his three gold medals with the United States Basketball Men's Junior National Team, including his U16 team in 2011, his U17 team in 2012 and 2016. Prior to 2019, he coached the U.S. Basketball Men's Junior National Team's annual October minicamp eight times (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018). Ta.
Jones played at Old Dominion from 1991 to 1995, where he was a two-year starter for the Monarchs and earned All-CAA honors as a senior. Jones scored 19 points in ODU's triple-overtime victory over third-seeded Villanova in the first round of the 1995 NCAA Tournament. One of the best three-point shooters in Monarch history, he led ODU as a senior with a 42.6 percent three-point shooting percentage, the sixth-best single-season mark in program history. His 168 career 3-point shots are also the sixth-most. He scored 1,166 career points in 111 games played.
he will take his place jeff jones He retired Monday after 11 years at the helm of the program.
