2013 WCU HOF Inductee - David L. Jones

David L. Jones 
(Men's Basketball, 1957-60)


David L. Jones enjoyed a very solid playing career at the then-named Western Carolina College, averaging double-digit scoring and rebounding for three seasons while starting 90 games for teams that posted a 77-38 (.670) overall record.

A four-year letter winner, He was thrice named to the post-season, all-tournament team during his career, and helped lead the 1958-59 Catamounts to a then school-record 24 victories as a part of a 24-4 overall record, claiming the North State Conference championship. One year later, Jones earned All-North State Conference plaudits in 1960.

Jones paced the Catamounts in scoring for back-to-back seasons in 1958-59 with a 13.5 point per game average, following it up with by scoring at a 17.0 point per game clip as a senior in 1959-60. He additionally led the team - and the North State Conference - in rebounding in the two aforementioned seasons, averaging 10.5 and 14.6 boards per game with the latter continuing to rank second in WCU's single-season record books. His 395 rebounds in his final season continue to rank tied for fifth in WCU's single season ledgers.

All told, Jones scored 1,324 career points during his career in Cullowhee, a mark which was third at the time of his graduation and remains 21st in the current ledger. Jones played alongside and with current WCU Athletics Hall of Fame members Harris Pryor (1956-69), Gaston Seal (1959-63), Bruce Peterson (1960-64) and Mel Gibson (1960-63). He was also selected to the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, an honor selected by WCU faculty.

Following his graduation in 1960, Jones spent 40 years teaching, coaching and administration. He taught and coached in Windfall, Ind., Sylva, and at Hunter Huss High in Gastonia, N.C. He additionally was a physical
education instructor at Mars Hill College. He moved into secondary school administration in Chesterfield County Virginia where he spent 30 years as both a middle and high school principal.

Jones retired from education in 2000 and now lives with his wife of 51 years, Audrey, in Pinehurst, N.C.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations