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Abl Coaching Job Gives Jones Opportunity To Get Back To Basics Former Celtics Player, Coach Says Women Play Purest Game

Associated Press

For K.C. Jones, the American Basketball League reminds him of the old NBA, a time when players concentrated on the fundamentals and the game was everything.

Jones, 64, was introduced Tuesday as the new head coach of the ABL’s New England Blizzard, bringing with him a tradition that includes 12 NBA championships as player and coach - and instant name recognition.

“I must say (the league) exercised extremely good judgment, ‘cause I am one of the great coaches,” Jones joked at a news conference held amid a throng of fans and a lunchtime crowd inside the Hartford Civic Center mall.

Jones, fired last week as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, signed a four-year contract with the Blizzard. Financial terms were not disclosed, and league officials would not say if there are provisions for Jones to leave the club if he is offered an NBA job.

Jones said he was drawn to the ABL by the enthusiasm of the players and the nature of the women’s game, which he called the purest form of basketball, reminding him of the game played by the men in the ‘50s and ‘60s, when he starred with the Celtics.

“They are pioneers,” he said. “They are the beginning of a pro league that will help others out of college; and if they remember that, they will work especially hard to keep this thing going.”

The signing of Jones means another step towards credibility and respect in the ABL’s battle for recognition with the WNBA, a new women’s league backed by the NBA.

“Last year at this time we were struggling to get head coaches just to join the league, take a chance and leave their programs,” said Jennifer Rizzotti, the Blizzard’s star point guard. “It’s definitely a surprise that after one year we can get … a top coach from the NBA.”

Blizzard general manager Pam Batalis said Jones’ signing will be followed by news of more companies investing in the league. She said the ABL is also well on its way to landing a major television contract.