Former Florida State University and Jackson Academy basketball coach Stan Jones joined the Raiders for Homecoming 2026 in a series of events on October 9. JA’s head basketball coach from 1990 to 1995, Jones was in Jackson to be honored at a Thursday night roast at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. He stayed through Friday to take part in Homecoming, starting with the 10:30 a.m. pep rally.
After a tour of campus, Jones had lunch with members of his former JA team, a gathering that provided ample opportunities reminiscing about the seasons they played for him. At JA, his teams won back-to-back state championships in 1993–1994 and 1994–1995.
“Coach Jones built a legacy of winning at JA, and it was a great honor for all of us that had the privilege of playing for him,” said McKie Edmonson ‘94, a member of his 1991–1994 teams. “His knowledge of and passion for the game was inspiring, and he helped all players develop into their full potential. Coach Jones taught us lessons that have lasted a lifetime and created memories we will always cherish.”
Jones, recognized for his strengths in player development, also met with the current Raider basketball team and coaches. Florida State’s athletics website calls Jones one of the top in-game strategists in college basketball and notes his ability to prepare players and teams. During his career, he won 353 high school games and two state championships before he spent 23 seasons shaping college players at Florida State.
Friday evening, Jones served as grand marshal of the Homecoming parade, which began at 6 p.m. on Sheffield Drive. At the game against Magnolia Heights, he was recognized on the field between the first and second quarters. After the third quarter, he joined Bryan Eubank as a guest commentator on the Raider Network broadcast.
Jones was Leonard Hamilton’s first hire when Hamilton took over the FSU Seminoles in 2002, and he remained on Hamilton’s staff until Hamilton retired after the 2024–2025 season. The two had also worked together at the University of Miami and with the NBA’s Washington Wizards. Jones coached 26 players who were selected in the NBA draft and five others who signed as free agents and played in the NBA. During his time at FSU, he was the longest-tenured assistant coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the second-longest-tenured in college basketball.
