Jeff Jones says it's his Eagles, not his return to Virginia, that has his attention this week. GAIL BURTON/ASSOCIATED PRESS View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place

Memories all in past, Jones says

AU's Jeff Jones prepares for return to Charlottesville

By TAFT COGHILL JR.

Date published: 12/28/2006

By TAFT COGHILL JR.

During Jeff Jones' 20 years in the Virginia men's basketball program, University Hall was always the Cavaliers' home.

But when Jones returns to Virginia tonight as the head coach of American University, he'll walk into the luxurious brand-new John Paul Jones Arena.

Jones and his Eagles (7-4) will visit the Cavaliers (7-3) tonight at 7:30 p.m.

It's the first time Jones has faced his old team since he was fired as the Cavaliers' head coach following an 11-19 season in 1997-98.

Jones, who took over American's program in 2000, got his first glimpse of John Paul Jones Arena when his team practiced there yesterday.

"It's a beautiful facility," he said in a telephone interview last night. "I heard from quite a few people that they had done everything in a first-class manner. It certainly fits that description."

Jones isn't overly emotional about tonight's game.

The Owensboro, Ky., native said he views the game as an opportunity for his Eagles to pick up a win over a quality opponent. American is looking to become the first visiting team to get a win in John Paul Jones Arena's short history.

"We're just concentrating on the game," Jones said, downplaying the significance of his return. "And they're in the mix of their season, so I'm sure they're doing the same."

Jones began his college basketball career at Virginia as a point guard from 1979-82.

He was a member of the 1981 Final Four team and was the captain of the 1982 squad that won a school-record 30 games.

Jones then served as an assistant coach under Terry Holland for eight seasons before taking over head coaching duties in 1990-91.

With such a lengthy background at Virginia, Cavaliers coach Dave Leitao said Virginia fans should give Jones a warm welcome tonight.

"I think [tonight's game] is a very good way to bring somebody back who means so much to the history of this program," Leitao said yesterday.

Dirk Katstra agrees.

Katstra is a former Virginia player, who played his senior season with Jones as the team's head coach.

Katstra is now the executive director of the Virginia Athletics Foundation and the associate athletics director for external affairs. He remains close friends with Jones, and he said he's looking forward to seeing American in action for the first time under his former coach.

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY (7-4)vs. VIRGINIA (7-3) John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

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Date published: 12/28/2006