All-American at Oregon;
An ABA original with the 1967-68 Oakland Oaks;
Three-time ABA All-Star; On March 29, 1971, scored
51 points for the Memphis Pros in a 109-107 home
loss to the Kentucky Colonels; Crossed 10,000 point plateau
with the Spirits of St. Louis during 1974-75 season;
Known for his stellar three-point range (34% career
average); Amazingly, never had a technical foul called
against him during his ABA career (680 total games)
From Jim
O'Brien's 1971-72 and 1972-73 Complete Handbook of Pro Basketball:
Has strength to play front line, but shooting
skills to average 22 point mainly at guard .
. . Best big guard in the league . . . Played
rookie season in Oakland, next four with New Orleans/Memphis franchise
. . . Led Memphis
in scoring for 1970-71 season, but
played out option and signed with Dallas for
1971-72 season . . . Coach Babe McCarthy and
Jones are now rejoined in Dallas for 1972-73
season, as Steve played for him for four straight
years with the Bucs and Pros . . . Was
starting guard for West in 1971 ABA All-Star
Game . . . An ABA All-Star Game participant the
last three years, he ranked third in free-throw
shooting with 87 percent effectiveness . . .
Ready to play every game, "He never complains,
always does his job," says Coach McCarthy . .
. Jones is, indeed, complete professional and
a class competitor - if they had a Lady Byng
Trophy in pro basketball, as the NHL does "to
the player adjudged to have exhibited the best
type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct
combined with a high standard of playing ability,"
Jones would be a hands-down selection. . . Hasn't
had a technical called on him in five years .
. . "On many occasions," comments McCarthy, "I've
described Steve Jones as the player with the
best attitude that I've ever been associated
with." . . . One of the top three-point shooters
- excellent outside shooter with good range -
maybe the best shooter in ABA . . . Draws opponent's
best defensive guard because of all-around offensive
capabilities . . . Likes to drive baseline, where
he protects the ball well . . . Coming off a
screen he's more effective going to his right
. . . Con man at psyching defender with head
fake to basket that disguises arc-less and accurate
jump shot that he hits consistently from 20 feet
. . . A smart, wily veteran who has ambitions
of getting into broadcasting
