University School of Jackson names Jeffrey Jones as new boys basketball coach

Michael Odom
Jackson Sun

University School of Jackson went to the college ranks to find its new boys basketball coach.

Jeffrey Jones, who has been the coach at University of the Virgin Islands, will take over the program for the 2021-22 school year.

“We’re very excited to welcome Coach Jeffrey Jones to the Bruin family," athletic director Michael Stroup said in a news release Wednesday. "With more than 20-plus years of coaching experience at the college level, I know Coach Jones will be an excellent mentor for our student-athletes in several different areas. In my conversations with him, Jeffrey expressed his admiration for the USJ community and is excited to get to work for this basketball program. I look forward to supporting him for many successful seasons as a Bruin.”

Jones also has experience as the coach  at Southern Poly State University. He was also as associate head coach at Division II schools Kennesaw State and Fort Valley State.

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Jones replaces  Ryan Yeates, who will remain at the school as the middle school boys coach.

“I look forward to working with our players and am very excited to get started," Jones said. "I am also honored to be a part of the long tradition of coaching excellence at USJ.”

USJ went 5-18 last season in Division II-A, going 1-1 in the Division II-A West region tournament.

Jones joins the Bruins not only with a background in coaching on the collegiate level but also with a long history of being involved in charitable and philanthropic programs. At Kennesaw State, Jones created a middle school basketball league to help bring awareness of the basketball program to the community. At Southern Poly State University, Jones established the HOPE program (Helping Our Pupils Excel) with his athletes to help mentor disadvantaged youth in Atlanta. While at the University of the Virgin Islands, he organized free stress-relieving basketball camps. He also assisted with food transportation for the island after Hurricane Irma.

Jones also has received a multitude of awards, including the Georgia Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year and the Southern States Athletic Conference Coach of the Year

Jones will have a meet and greet with all interested parents and students at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Dement Gymnasium at USJ.

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Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.