SAN FRANCISCO -- The University of San Francisco mourns the loss of icon K.C. "Casey" Jones.  Where Jones went championships followed.  He was one of the guiding forces of the Dons' back-to-back title runs in 1955 and '56.  He would go on to win a gold medal as part of the 1956 U.S. Olympic team, and then went on to win eight titles in nine seasons with the Boston Celtics in one of the NBA's most dominant dynasties.  Following his playing days, Jones came back to help lead Boston to two more titles in 1984 and '89.  

Inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1989, his jersey hangs in the rafters at both War Memorial at the Sobrato Center and the TD Garden, home of the Celtics. He is the only African-American coach other than Russell to win multiple NBA Championships. He is one of just three players to go 8-0 in the NBA Finals. 

A real competitor and the most popular player on the squad, Jones was a take-charge guy on the floor and the team's playmaker. Blessed with quick reactions, he hounded loose balls and rebounds. A four-year varsity star, Jones' play against LaSalle was key to USF wining its first NCAA title. As captain his senior year, Jones expanded the team's winning streak and led the team to its second consecutive NCAA tourney. 

In a highly unusual occurrence, Jones, who was exceptionally talented, won a starting varsity berth as a freshman during a time of extended eligibility. With the exception of the 1953 season, when he ruptured his appendix during a game against California, he was a varsity starter for four full years.

Jones consistently outjumped taller opponents with his tremendous speed and superb timing. Defensively, he covered his man like a blanket. Outstanding in the clutch, these skills served him well in the NCAA finals where he went toe to toe with All-American Tom Gola. At 6'2", Jones did such and incredible job, he held the 6'7" Gola to six field goals and then went out and took the title game's top scoring honors at 24 points.

In describing Jones, coach Phil Woolpert said, "The team has a world of confidence in him… never a complaint, and always hustling." In addition to his All-American and WCAC honors, Jones was also named All-Northern California, All-California Basketball Association and All-NCAA Tournament.

Born May, 25, 1932 in Taylor, Texas he grew up in San Francisco, attending Commerce High School playing basketball and football. Jones is survived by his wife Ellen Jones and his five children.