William Jones
Inducted:
1964
Stats
Born
5 October 1906
Rome, Kingdom of Italy
Died
22 April 1981
Munich, West Germany
Position
Contributor
College
Springfield (1924–1928)
William Jones was one of the most influential figures in the international development of basketball. Born in Rome, Italy, he became a leading advocate for worldwide basketball competition and helped establish the sport's international governing structure. His monumental legacy was built as the primary pioneer and administrator of global international basketball.
In 1932, Jones co-founded the International Amateur Basketball Federation (FIBA) and served as its first Secretary General for 44 years (1932–1976), growing the organization from eight founding member nations to over 130 worldwide. He orchestrated basketball's debut as an official Olympic sport at the 1936 Berlin Games and directed major international tournaments for four decades.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1964 as a contributor.
Jones' Awards and Honor
- FIBA Hall of Fame
- Co-Founder and First Secretary General of FIBA (1932–1976)
- FIBA Secretary General Emeritus (1976–1981)
- Olympic Order Recipient (1980)
- FIBA Order of Merit Recipient (1994)
- Helped spread basketball to more than 130 countries
NBA Position
Secretary General/Co-Founder:
FIBA (1932–1976)
NBA Stats
Co-founded FIBA:
1932
FIBA Secretary General:
1932–1976
Organize Olympic basketball tournaments:
1936–1972
Organize European Championships:
1935 onward
Organize World Championships:
1950 onward