James Jones, the head basketball coach at Yale University, is a name synonymous with success in the Ivy League. With over 26 years at the helm, Jones has guided the Bulldogs to five Ivy League championships and three NCAA Tournament berths. His impressive record includes 333 career victories, making him one of the most successful coaches in Ivy League history. The longest-tenured coach in the league, Jones enters the season with the second most career victories and the third most Ivy wins, boasting a .612 winning percentage in Ivy games – the highest in school history.
Jones’ remarkable tenure includes leading Yale to a stunning 63-21 Ivy record over the last six seasons, with four league titles and three NCAA Tournament berths, including the first NCAA victory in school history. His efforts have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 and the 2019 Ben Jobe Award as the top minority coach in Division I men’s basketball. Jones is a three-time Ivy League Coach of the Year (2015, 2016, 2020) and a three-time NABC District 13 Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, Yale has consistently finished in the top four of the Ivy League for 20 straight years and has made six postseason appearances.
But Jones’ impact extends beyond the basketball court. As a NEDvocate for the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, he has become a beacon of hope for children battling pediatric brain tumors and childhood cancer. FOJ pairs children battling pediatric cancer with high school and college sports teams, providing them with emotional support and a sense of community.
One poignant example of his dedication is his adoption of Riley Mack, a young boy battling a brain tumor. Through Jones’ support and the resources provided by the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, Riley not only survived his battle with cancer but also successfully got into college. Riley’s mother, Donna, shared her gratitude, saying, ” Coach Jones embraced Riley the moment he met him. His players followed his example. When Riley arrived at Yale his life was so lonely and when Coach met Riley he was extremely shy. That was not that the case when Riley went off to college. Coach Jones gave Riley the confidence to bloom into the person he was meant to be. All the hospital visits, hospital stays and brain surgeries took away our Riley. Coach Jones and his players brought Riley back to life. Riley knows he is part of Coach Jones team for life. It’s a blessing that can never be repaid”. Jones’ efforts have not only brought victories to Yale but have also brought joy and comfort to countless children and their families. His work with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation exemplifies how sports can be a powerful force for good, creating lasting connections and providing much-needed support to those in need.
Jones’ commitment to both his team and the cause of pediatric cancer awareness is truly inspiring. His leadership on and off the court has made a significant impact on the lives of many, demonstrating the true power of sportsmanship and community service. As we look to the future, it’s clear that James Jones will continue to be a champion in every sense of the word. His dedication to excellence and compassion serves as a shining example of how sports can change lives for the better, both on the court and beyond. It’s what NEDvocate’s do!
