TOLEDO, Ohio – One of the all-time greats in University of Toledo men's basketball program history, Larry Jones, passed away on Saturday at the age of 83.

A Columbus, Ohio native, Jones played for 10 years in the NBA and ABA after averaging 20.9 ppg during his standout Rocket career (1960-64). One of the original inductees into UT's Varsity T Hall of Fame in 1977, Jones was also inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011 and earned a total of eight varsity letters; three in track, two in basketball and three in baseball. 

"Larry Jones was one of the greatest to ever wear a Midnight Blue and Gold uniform," Head Coach Tod Kowalczyk said. "His legacy as a Rocket and his accomplishments in the world of basketball will be remembered forever. We mourn his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who were touched by his remarkable journey."

Jones earned Second-Team All-MAC honors in 1961 followed by First-Team All-MAC accolades in 1962. His name is still written into the Rockets' record books with the second-highest career points-per game average (20.9) as well as ninth for career rebounding average (9.0 rpg). Jones also ranks fourth in highest single-season average per game (23.3).
 
Jones was a four-time ABA all-star and became the first player in its history to score 5,000 points. Jones was a third-round draft pick by the Philadelphia 76ers and played two years in the NBA. 

During his second ABA season with the Denver Rockets, Jones averaged 28.4 ppg and became the first ABA player to score 2,000 points in a season. In the 1968-69 campaign, he set a league record with 23 straight games scoring at least 30 points. Jones was a four-time ABA all-star, a three-time All-ABA first-team selection and was chosen as the ABA Players Association's first president. 

A funeral will be held on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Church of God, 3480 Refugee Rd. Columbus, Ohio. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30-11:00 a.m. with repast following the funeral.