As an exciting spring and summer comes to a close for John Carroll Men’s Basketball, Head Coach Pete Moran ’08 has selected his first full-time assistant coach.
Damon Jones has been hired as the new full-time assistant coach for JCU Men’s Basketball.
A native Clevelander, Jones has coaching experience at the high school, college and professional levels, along with several years of professional playing experience.
“John Carroll is a special place, I’m excited to be here,” said Jones. “This is an amazing opportunity to learn from Pete and a coaching staff with a wealth of knowledge. I hope to be an asset for the student-athletes to help them learn and grow on and off the court.”
Jones knows Northeast Ohio well. Hailing from Warrensville, Jones played for St. Peter Chanel, graduating in 2012 before the school closed one year later.
After playing for the Firebirds, Jones started his collegiate career at NJCAA Mercyhurst North East, scoring over 1,000 points and earning junior college All-American status. Jones remained in Erie, playing his final two seasons at NCAA Division II Mercyhurst University. He steered the Lakers to the program’s first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship along with two trips to the NCAA Tournament. Jones surpassed 1,000 points at Mercyhurst, leading the team in scoring with 14.7 points per game as a senior and earning 2016 All-PSAC Second Team honors.
Jones then headed overseas, playing professionally for three and a half years in Denmark, Spain and Ireland. Jones starred in the Irish Superleague, where he led the league in scoring, averaging 30.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
Jones started his coaching career at Hope College in Holland, Michigan at the Division III level. He served as a varsity assistant and head JV coach for the 2018-19 season.
During the 2019-20 season, Jones worked in the NBA G League in player development and basketball operations for the Grand Rapids Drive. Previously, he was a basketball operations intern for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA.
Amidst the pandemic, Jones coached at Grand Rapids Christian High School in Michigan, where he mentored McDonald’s All-American Kobe Bufkin. Then, Jones joined the coaching staff at Western Missouri State University (NCAA Division II) in July 2021. The Griffons tallied 14 wins during the 2021-22 campaign.
“Damon is a great fit for our program in a number of ways,” Pete Moran said. “His success at the Division II and III levels, along with his experience with skill development and recruiting, make him an excellent addition to our staff. He is excited to build on the success we’ve had and help us attain new accomplishments, alongside our long-tenured coaches who are all John Carroll Alumni: Pat Moran, Spencer Roule, Frank O’Brien, Spencer Roule, and Matt Moran. The mission remains what it always has been: Get the Job Done!”
Jones will bring an excellent perspective as a coach who’s spent time at all levels of basketball. Jones is ready to get started.
“I want to thank Pete, Katie Hine, Michelle Morgan, and Al Miciak for giving me this opportunity,” said Jones. “I’m excited to serve the student-athletes and show them the work ethic it takes to be successful on the court and in the classroom, especially through my experience in player development. I’m looking forward to recruiting, especially since many of the guys I played with and against during my St. Peter Chanel days are now coaching. I hope to have an impact on the community, and help win a championship.”
