Remember the ABA: Steve Jones (original) (raw)

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