Rice Men's Basketball has appointed Mike Jones as the new Assistant Coach, as announced by Head Coach Rob Lanier. Jones, a seasoned coach with 15 years of experience, previously led UNC-Greensboro to multiple successful seasons, including three with over 20 victories. His impressive track record includes coaching nine All-Southern Conference players and achieving notable wins, including a historic victory against No. 14 Arkansas. With a strong reputation both on and off the court, Jones brings a wealth of experience that Lanier believes will significantly benefit the Rice program.

By the Numbers
  • Jones has a 93-69 record as head coach at UNC-Greensboro, with 57-33 in conference play.
  • During his tenure at Radford, he achieved a 174-150 record, leading the team to three postseason appearances and the 2018 NCAA Tournament.
Yes, But

Despite his successes, some may question how well Jones will adapt to the new environment at Rice, which has its own unique challenges and expectations. His previous achievements, while impressive, are yet to translate to the Rice program's specific needs.

State of Play
  • Jones takes over amidst shifts in basketball recruitment strategies and program development at Rice.
  • The team focuses on building a competitive culture and enhancing player development in a tough conference.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Jones is expected to leverage his extensive coaching relationships to enhance recruiting efforts and build a strong roster. His experience will be crucial in shaping team strategy and player performance in upcoming games.

Bottom Line

Jones' hiring represents a strategic investment in Rice's basketball program, marrying a proven coaching track record with the ambition to elevate team performance and competitiveness. Success will hinge on his ability to integrate seamlessly into Rice's system while maximizing the potential of the players.