Albany State basketball legend Caldwell Jones dies at the age of 64

ALBANY — Former NBA star Caldwell Jones, one of four basketball playing brothers and an Albany State University legend, has died at the age of 64.

Jones who played at what was then Albany State College from 1969 to 1973, enjoyed a 17-year career as a professional, breaking into the league in 1973 with the San Diego Conquistadors of the American Basketball Association. Jones later played with the Kentucky Colonels and the Spirits of St. Louis of the ABA before joining the Philadelphia Sixers in 1976. He later played with the Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers before ending his NBA career in 1990 with the San Antonio Spurs.

His brothers, Charles, Wil and Major, all played both at Albany State and in the NBA.

A lanky 6-11 pivot man, Caldwell Jones played alongside Julius “Dr. J” Erving in Philadelphia and was known for his defense. He was an ABA All-Star in 1975 and was a two-time NBA all-Defensive First team player in 1981 and 1982.

In his final year in the NBA, Jones was the oldest player in the league, earning him the nickname of “Pops.” During that one season with the Spurs, Jones help mentor a rookie named David Robinson.

The Jones family has deep roots at Albany State. Another Jones brother, Oliver, also played at ASU then coached the Golden Rams for 28 years. For 18 straight years, a Jones brother played center at Albany State.

Funeral Arrangements are pending.