William McNeil Jones (February 3, 1914 – April 9, 2006) was an American professional basketball player.[1] He played in all five games for the National Basketball League's Toledo Jim White Chevrolets before the team disbanded early into the 1942–43 season.[1][2] Jones was one of the earliest African-American players in the NBL and is considered a pioneer of integration in professional basketball.[3]
Personal information | |
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Born | Toledo, Ohio | February 3, 1914
Died | April 9, 2006 Los Angeles, California | (aged 92)
Nationality | American |
Career information | |
High school | Woodward (Toledo, Ohio) Libbey (Toledo, Ohio) |
College | Toledo (1933–1934; 1936–1938) |
Position | Guard |
Career history | |
1942 | Toledo Jim White Chevrolets |
He played collegiately at the University of Toledo,[4] followed by stints with barnstorming teams as well as the Harlem Globetrotters.[3][5] He eventually moved to Los Angeles, California.[3]