In a startling change of events, head coach of the Old Dominion men’s basketball team Jeff Jones Suffers heart attack on Wednesday night when the team was visiting Hawaii. This presented an unanticipated challenge for the team. The incident happened just as the Monarchs were traveling to Oahu for this weekend’s Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.
Old Dominion’s Jeff Jones suffers heart attack in Hawaii
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Following the heart attack, Jones, then 63 years old, was admitted right away to a Honolulu hospital. In a statement issued by the university on Thursday, it was disclosed that Jones is currently receiving comfortable rest and is anticipated to fully recover. He won’t be able to compete in the Diamond Head Classic, though, and will be monitored for the following 48 to 72 hours.
In Jones’s absence, assistant coach Kieran Donohue has stepped up to lead the team throughout the competition.
Thursday was the Monarchs’ first game against TCU, and they lost 111-87 in the end. Their next match is on Friday versus Temple, and the championship game is on Sunday.
Currently in his eleventh season as Old Dominion’s head coach, Jeff Jones has a distinguished coaching background. He led the Monarchs to an NCAA Tournament berth in 2019, demonstrating his dedication to the team and leadership qualities. Even though Jones had a 3-6 record going into the Hawaiian tournament, he has continuously shown that he can lead the team through both setbacks and victories on the court.
With the Old Dominion community coming together in support of their beloved coach, best wishes and prayers are being sent Jones’ way for a full and rapid recovery. As the squad tries to leave their mark on the Diamond Head Classic, they are carrying the burden of their coach’s absence.
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