Paul Jones (sportscaster) facts for kids

Paul Jones, born in 1958, is a well-known Canadian sportscaster. He is famous for talking about basketball games, especially for the Toronto Raptors. He helps fans understand the game better by sharing his knowledge and excitement.

Paul Jones: A Voice for Basketball

What is a Sportscaster?

A sportscaster is someone who talks about sports on TV or radio. They help people watching or listening understand what is happening in a game. Paul Jones is a "colour analyst." This means he explains the strategies and details of the game. He works alongside a "play-by-play" announcer, who describes the action as it happens.

Talking Raptors Basketball

Paul Jones has been a big part of the Toronto Raptors' history. He was a colour analyst for their very first season in 1995. Back then, he worked with Mike Inglis on CFRB 1010 radio.

Today, Paul Jones continues to be the Raptors' colour analyst on Fan 590. He works with Eric Smith, who does the play-by-play. They make a great team, bringing the games to life for listeners.

More Than Just Games

Besides calling games, Paul Jones also appears on other shows. He and Eric Smith host a weekly basketball show called Hoops on Fan 590. This show is also shown on Raptors NBA TV. They used to have another show together called Double Dribble on Raptors NBA TV.

Paul Jones has also worked as a studio analyst and sideline reporter for the Raptors. He has appeared on major networks like TSN, CTV, and Rogers Sportsnet. You can often see him on Canadian TV programs. These include The Grill Room on SUN TV, Off the Record on TSN, and Full Court Press on Raptors NBA TV.

Since June 15, 2020, Paul Jones and Eric Smith have also been co-hosts. They lead a new afternoon sports talk show on Sportsnet 590 called Smith & Jones.

Paul Jones: A Talented Basketball Player

Before becoming a famous sportscaster, Paul Jones was a very good basketball player himself.

College Achievements

He played for York University's basketball team. During his time there, he helped his team win three provincial titles. These wins happened in 1978, 1980, and 1981. He was recognized as a top player, being named a conference All-Star twice.

In 1981, he received a special award called the Kitch McPherson Trophy. This award recognized him as the Most Valuable Player of the Ontario championship game. He was also an Ontario All-Star in both 1980 and 1981.

National and International Play

Paul Jones participated in the CIAU national championship tournament four times. He helped his team win two bronze medals in 1978 and 1979.

In 1983, he represented Canada in the Commonwealth Basketball Tournament in New Zealand. His team won a silver medal, which is a great achievement for any athlete.

Coaching Experience

After his playing career, Paul Jones also shared his knowledge as a coach. He coached at both the high school level and for provincial teams. He also served as an assistant coach for three years at the University of Western Ontario.

Paul Jones: Early Life and Community Work

Moving to Canada

Paul Jones was born in Jamaica. When he was just four months old, he moved to Canada with his parents.

Working in Schools

Before joining the Raptors' radio team full-time, Paul Jones worked for the Toronto District School Board for 22 years. He started in different roles and eventually became a school principal. He led Walter Scott Public School and Roselawn Public School in Richmond Hill. He left his principal position in 2004 to focus on his sportscasting career with the Raptors.

Family Connections

Paul Jones has a younger brother named Mark Jones. Mark is also a well-known sportscaster. He works for ESPN and ABC in the United States.