Wali Jones facts for kids

Walter (Wali) Jones was born on February 14, 1942. He is an American former professional basketball player. He played as a guard, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall.

Wali Jones was a key player on the 1966-1967 Philadelphia 76ers team. Many people think this team was one of the best in NBA history. After his playing career, he became known for his great work in the community. He helped many people in West Philadelphia.

Early Life and College Basketball

Wali Jones grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He went to Overbrook High School. This was the same school that another famous basketball player, Wilt Chamberlain, had attended a few years before him.

After high school, Jones played college basketball for Villanova University. He was a star player there. He won the "BIG-5 Player of the Year" award for Philadelphia twice. This was in 1963 and 1964. In his final year, he was even named a 3rd-Team All-American.

Playing in the NBA

Starting His Pro Career

In 1964, Wali Jones was chosen by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA draft. He was the 20th player picked overall. But he never played a game for the Pistons at first. He was traded to the Baltimore Bullets before the season started.

In his first year with the Bullets, Jones played very well. He was named to the 1964-1965 first team NBA All-Rookie Team. This means he was one of the best new players in the league that year.

Joining the Philadelphia 76ers

The next season, Jones was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. He would play for the 76ers for the next six years. This was where he made a big name for himself.

Wali Jones and Hal Greer were the starting guards for the 76ers. They were part of the amazing 1966–67 team. This team also had legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Chet Walker, and Billy Cunningham.

Winning the NBA Championship

Jones became the main point guard for the 76ers after another player got hurt. This happened in January 1967. He played a very important role in the 1967 NBA Finals.

In the first game of the Finals, Jones scored 30 points. He also got 10 rebounds and 8 assists. The 76ers won that game. In the final game, which won them the championship, Jones led his team with 27 points. He averaged over 20 points per game during the whole series. The 76ers won the NBA championship that year!

Later Career and Challenges

After the championship, Jones continued to play for the 76ers. During the 1968 playoffs, a sad event happened. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Some players, including Jones, did not want to play the game. It was a very difficult time for everyone.

Later, Jones was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. He had some disagreements about his contract there. He eventually left the team. He did not play during the 1973–1974 season.

Jones returned to basketball in 1974 with the Utah Stars. He later signed with the Detroit Pistons again in 1975. Finally, he came back to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1976. He played his last 16 NBA games as a 76er.

Wali Jones had a nickname during his playing days: "Wali Wonder." His son, Askia Jones, also played basketball. Askia became a top scorer at Kansas State University and played briefly in the NBA.

Life After Basketball

Community Service and Activism

Wali Jones has always been proud of his identity as an African American. He also converted to Islam and changed his name to Wali. Early in his life, he knew he wanted to help young people.

While still playing for the 76ers, Jones started a group called Concerned Athletes in Action (CAIA). This group later became "Shoot for the Stars." This program helps young people and works to prevent gun violence. He has worked with other sports legends on this project. In 2024, he was honored for his great work with "Shoot for the Stars."

Awards and Recognition

Wali Jones has received many honors for his basketball career and community work.

• In 2012, he was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.
• In 2016, his 1966-1967 Philadelphia 76ers championship team was also inducted into the Hall of Fame.
• In 2022, he was inducted into the Philadelphia Black Basketball Hall of Fame.
• In 2022, sports writers from Philadelphia Inquirer ranked him as the twenty-first greatest Sixer of all time.
• In 2023, a special mural of Wali Jones was painted in Philadelphia. His 106-year-old father was there for the ceremony.

Even famous basketball players looked up to Wali Jones. As a child, future NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson admired Jones.

See also

In Spanish: Wali Jones para niños