Jeff Jones Steps Down as Manchester Giants Head Coach

Jeff Jones has stepped down as Head Coach of Manchester Giants after three years in charge again since the club’s return to the BBL.

The long-serving play-caller, just shy of his 61st birthday, will continue to aid the development in the city by overseeing the new National Basketball Centre that opens later this year.

“It was my desire to insure that Manchester talent could compete at the top level in the UK and build a platform for that to continue,” said Jones. “The development of British talent has been a priority for me since I came to this country.

“The development of the club and the growth in junior participation is gaining momentum and will continue to expand, he added. “With the opening of the National Centre in Manchester, the future is very positive and provides an opportunity to continue that player development pathway.

“I would like to thank the players and support staff as well as the fans for the support they have shown over the three years and I am sure it will continue to grow and progress.”

The past season was Jones’ 12th as Head Coach in the BBL having also had a period in charge of National Basketball League side Manchester Magic, before the Giants came back on the scene in the top-flight.

In the three seasons back in the BBL, Manchester have narrowly missed out on the playoffs twice, whilst making the post-season in the 2013-14 campaign with a 15-22 record.

Jones has focussed on British talent when assembling his squads over the three seasons with the likes of Stefan Gill, David ‘Tintin’ Watts and Callum Jones notable mainstays.

There have been a few coaching developments in the off-season already with Cheshire Phoenix replacing John Coffino with former coach John Lavery, despite the New-Yorker leading the club to a top-four finish.

Elsewhere, Sterling Davis has signed a new-deal as Head Coach of Glasgow Rocks, but has retired from playing, while Jay Marriott is reportedly set to sign a new one-year-deal.

Also, rumoured changes include the departure of Surrey United part-owner and coach Jack Majewski as well as the London Lions lining up Essex Leopards play-caller Robert Youngblood to take over from Vince Macaulay.

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