Take a look at his list of achievements: Twelve NBA Championships, two NCAA rings and one Olympic gold medal as a player and coach. This makes him one of only eight players in the history to achieve the “triple crown” of basketball.
In fact, with the win and Jones going hand in hand, the ‘C’ standing comedy in KC stood out for the championship.
The Boston Celtics announced Friday that Jones died at the age of 88 this week.
The group did not disclose the cause of death or say exactly when he died.
“KC Jones was one of the most decorated champions in the history of our game,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “KC’s extraordinary achievements and impact will be remembered for a long time.”
Jones’ death is the second passing of a famous Celtic man this year.
College years
KC is the name given to him. He was named after his father, Casey Jones, a famous railroad engineer.
His parents divorced when he was 9 years old. Jones also moved to San Francisco with his mother and siblings.
“There he learned to play basketball on a gravel in a poor area,” the profile said.
Jones studied at the University of San Francisco. He spoke softly, but with a strong presence.
The 6-ft-1 guard revealed his identity with defensive plays, sticking to glue-like enemies, denying opportunities, and endlessly deceiving them.
In college, he teamed up with Bill Russell – another player whose name is synonymous with “legend” – and won two NCAA Championships.
Both were part of the American team that won gold at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
After two years in the army, Jones joined the Celtics. He was on track to seal his place in the history books.
Years of playing
“In NBA history, only teammates Bill Russell and Sam Jones have had more championship rings in their playing careers,” Celtics said in a statement, describing Jones’ achievements.
Jones played nine seasons in the NBA – all in Boston.
Finished in eight NBA Championships.
After the Celtics lost to 76 players in the 1967 Eastern Division final, Jones decided it was time to retire.
When he did, the Celtics retired his 25th jersey.
The days when he won are over. The days when he won as coach were about to begin.
Training years
After coaching at Brandeis University, Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Bullet, Jones returned to the Celtics.
He was named head coach of the Celtics in 1983. In four of the five seasons in which he played that role, he led the team to the NBA Finals.
