Popeye Jones: Where is he now?

Many great athletes have had humble beginnings. Not all good athletes come from large or widely known schools, some start off in small rural areas that are not really “on the map.” One prime example of this would be Ronald Jerome “Popeye” Jones.  

Jones, born and raised in the small town of Dresden, Tennessee that boasted approximately 5000 people at his birth, was named after a cartoon character. In his small hometown, Popeye Jones made a name for himself as a baseball, football, and basketball player. Basketball, however, is how Jones claimed local fame.  

Popeye received a scholarship to play basketball at Murray State University. While a Racer, Jones was a three-time All-Ohio Valley Conference section and was mentioned twice in All-America, was named OVC player of the year in 1990 and 1991, received prestigious title of OVC’s Athlete of the Year in 1991 and 1992, and became the only player to record more than 2000 points and 1000 rebounds in MSU history. Jones was drafted 2nd round in the 1992 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets and was then traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Eric Riley.  

Popeye Jones was the rebounding leader in the NCAA in 1992, had his number 54 retired by Murray State University, and went on to be an Assistant Coach for the 76ers. He spent 11 total years in the NBA as a player and a coach and earned approximately $14 million in his time being involved in basketball. He continues to be the assistant coach for the 76ers and seems to love what he does in his time there. After his small beginnings and time spent doing amazing things for the sports industry, he continues his work in basketball every day.