Saint Joseph’s Head Coach Billy Lange has announced that former Hawk standout Dwyane Jones ’05 has been named assistant coach – player development for the men’s basketball program.
As assistant coach – player development, Jones will be responsible for in-game coaching and implementing and teaching drills focused on player and team development. Additionally, he will assist in opponent scouting, video evaluation and breakdowns, and player and team statistical analysis.
“It is with great excitement that we announce the addition of Dwayne Jones, Saint Joseph’s class of 2005, to our coaching staff. DJ brings significant experience as a college and professional basketball player that will uniquely develop and mentor our team members. His NBA coaching background will sharpen us all as he shares his knowledge, insights, energy and preparation,” said Lange. “I had the privilege of working side by side with DJ at the NBA level. He is a gifted communicator and thinker. Dwayne represents everything we desire to help our young men become: a SJU graduate, an accomplished member of The Story of St. Joe’s Basketball as both an individual and a teammate and mostly, a wonderful human being that reflects our program’s virtues in RESPECT, ELEVATE, SERVE. He was also smart enough to marry a Hawk; welcome home Jess, SJU class of 2008, and their sons, DJ and Dylan!”
“My family and I are thrilled to be coming back home to Hawk Hill,” Jones said. “I would like to thank Coach Lange for the tremendous opportunity to join this great staff and give back to my university, which has had such a positive impact on my life. The Hawk Will Never Die!”
Jones returns to Hawk Hill after spending seven seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. Joining the 76ers skill development staff in December of 2016, Jones spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach after being promoted in 2021.
One of the most prolific post players in Saint Joseph’s history, Jones was a three-year starter for the Hawks from 2002-05, leading the Hawks to a combined 77-21 record, including a historic undefeated regular season in 2003-04 and a NIT finals run in 2004-05. Leading St. Joe’s in rebounding and blocked shots all three seasons, Jones earned Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year, NABC All-District, A-10 All-Conference and All-Big 5 honors in 2004-05. Ranking third all-time in blocked shots and 16th in rebounding on Hawk Hill, Jones enjoyed a 12-year professional career, including six seasons in the NBA and NBA G League, and internationally in China, Philippines, Qatar, Venezuela and Argentina.
