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Johnny Jones, a top scorer at Villanova, dies at 68

Former Villanova star guard Johnny Jones, 68, a Big Five Hall of Fame player who scored 1,568 points in a three-year varsity career from 1966 through 1969, has died, the Villanova basketball program announced Thursday.

Basketball College Games NIT Tournament 1967. Villanova’s Johnny Jones goes up high to score a basket against Marshall College in first half of opening round game in the National Invitation Tournament at New York’s Madison Square Garden on March 9, 1967. Marshall Players are Bob Allen (50) and Bob Redd (32).
Basketball College Games NIT Tournament 1967. Villanova’s Johnny Jones goes up high to score a basket against Marshall College in first half of opening round game in the National Invitation Tournament at New York’s Madison Square Garden on March 9, 1967. Marshall Players are Bob Allen (50) and Bob Redd (32).Read more(AP Photo)
    Inquirer
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Former Villanova star guard Johnny Jones, 68, a Big Five Hall of Fame player who scored 1,568 points in a three-year varsity career from 1966 through 1969, has died, the Villanova basketball program announced Thursday.

Mr. Jones, who lived in Pompano Beach, Fla., averaged 19.6 points in three seasons under Jack Kraft on teams that compiled a record of 57-23. He is 22d on Villanova's career points list, and his average is fifth-best all-time.

During his senior year, he teamed with then-sophomore Howard Porter to lead the Wildcats to a 21-5 record. The team was ranked as high as fifth by the AP before finishing with a No. 10 ranking.

"Johnny was one of the all-time greats," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. "He was spiritual and passionate about life. He followed us closely from his home in Florida. The 'Nova Nation has lost a legend and a great man."

Mr. Jones once scored either 84 or 85 points - both totals were listed in public accounts of the game - at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach.

He played professional basketball in Belgium after graduation, then became a teacher in Lauderhill, Fla. He was inducted into the Big Five Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Villanova Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1985.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.

- Joe Juliano

    Inquirer