Wali Jones

NBA player; Miami Heat executive[20]

What is Wali Jones known for?

Wali Jones, born on February 14, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a respected figure in the world of basketball. An alumnus of Philadelphia's Overbrook High School, he is a proud representative of a school that has produced exceptional basketball talent like Wilt Chamberlain.

Following his successful high school career, Jones went to Villanova University, earning Philadelphia's BIG-5 Player of the Year honors two years consecutively, in 1963 and 1964. His outstanding performance in college basketball also earned him a spot as a 3rd-Team All-American as a senior.

Jones began his professional career in the NBA in 1964, initially playing for the Baltimore Bullets. His exceptional talent was soon recognized, and he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. The following season, Jones was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played for the next six years.

During his time with the 76ers, Jones played alongside Hal Greer as the starting guards on the title-winning 1966-67 76ers team. This team included other notable players such as Wilt Chamberlain, Chet Walker, Lucious Jackson, and Billy Cunningham. Jones played a pivotal role in the 1967 NBA Finals, particularly in Game 1, where he scored 30 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and recorded 8 assists during a 141-135 win.

Throughout his career, Jones earned several accolades for his performances. He was an NBA champion in 1967 and a member of the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1965. Jones also won the Robert V. Geasey Trophy twice, in 1963 and 1964. His career statistics include 6,672 points (9.8 ppg), 1,471 rebounds (2.2 rpg), and 2,099 assists (3.1 apg).

Post his playing career, Jones held various roles in the NBA and has remained an influential figure in basketball. His life and career serve as inspiration to many aspiring basketball players.

Know more about his career statistics on NBA.com and Basketball-Reference.com.