Spoon River College has announced the hiring of Kent Jones as the new assistant men’s basketball coach.

“I am excited to start a new journey with Spoon River College men’s basketball program and to be coaching alongside Coach Chance Jones. I would like to thank Spoon River College President Oldfield, Athletic Director Bassett, hiring committee, and Coach Chance Jones for the opportunity to be a part of a new experience in my coaching career. I am honored and thrilled to be a part of the Spoon River College family. I am eager to get started and help make the Spoon River men’s basketball program, players, and community a success.  I have been coaching basketball and baseball in Abingdon for 23 years and can’t wait for this new challenge.”

Jone’s coaching experience started in 1999, when he was hired to coach Junior High Boys Basketball for Abingdon Junior High School.  He was the 7th grade coach from 1999-2005, winning two regional titles.  From 2005-2011, he was an assistant varsity boys’ basketball coach, assisting in winning two regional titles and a Sweet 16 appearance.

In 2012, Jones became the varsity boys’ basketball head coach for Abingdon High School, compiling a varsity coaching record of 150-89, winning a regional championship in 2015, seven regional final appearances, and 2019 Prairieland Conference champions.  He was named IBCA district coach of the year in 2015, and was also named Galesburg Register Mail Coach of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019.  Jones also coached baseball in Abingdon, where he was a part of three straight sweet 16 appearances and back to back Elite 8 runs.

Jones graduated from Abingdon High School in 1993.  He then went on to play at Carl Sandburg Community College and earned an associate degree in science.  He continued his playing career at Division II Limestone College in Gaffney, SC., playing for 2 years 1995-1997.

SRC Head Coach Chance Jones commented, “I’m extremely excited to announce the hiring of Kent to our program.  He brings a ton of coaching experience and success to the program, as well as playing experience at the college level.  He’s done a phenomenal job at every position, and I believe our student athletes will benefit greatly from his leadership.”

Kent Jones