Indiana University Kokomo Men’s Basketball Coach Eric Echelbarger has announced that Roosevelt Jones will serve as the Cougars’ new assistant coach.
Jones will serve as the programs recruiting coordinator and direct the player development initiatives while assisting with on-court coaching and scouting.
Jones, an O’Fallon Illinois native, comes to IU Kokomo after spending the last 2 years playing in the NBA G League for the Canton Charge who serve as the affiliate team for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Additionally, Jones has trained players in the St. Louis Region and worked closely with his high school basketball program at O’Fallon Township High School supporting player development.
“We are very excited to add Roosevelt Jones to our coaching staff,” said Echelbarger, who was named as the Cougars’ head coach on June 1st. “He had a tremendous playing career at Butler University, and his experience and knowledge will be invaluable to our players. Roosevelt has an unbelievable passion for teaching the game, and his Indianapolis area connections will be a great asset in our recruiting efforts. I have known Roosevelt since he was in the young man attending my basketball camps in Southern Illinois and I am thrilled to have him join the IU Kokomo Cougars basketball program. ”
Roosevelt Jones’s playing career, from 2011 to 2016, at Butler University is one that Bulldog fans will not soon forget. He holds the program record for career starts at 134 and currently sits in 11th place on the all-time scoring list with 1,533 points. Jones ranks high in many Butler statistical categories including fourth in assists, fifth in rebounds and eighth in steals in Bulldog history. He finished his career with a record of 94-46 and was named All-Big East Conference back to back seasons. Jones played for current Boston Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens and Ohio State University Head Coach Chris Holtmann during his time at Butler. Off the court, Jones double majored in Digital Media Productions and Strategic Communications.
“I’m very thankful to Coach Echelbarger and Director of Athletics Greg Cooper for this opportunity,” Jones said. I can’t wait to meet all the players and begin preparing for a successful 2018-19 season”.
