Jonathan Jones

Passionate and purpose-driven Basketball Coach, Mentor, and Program Director with over 14 years of international professional basketball experience across Europe, Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Asia. Founder of The Academy, a youth basketball and mentoring program based in Waukegan, IL, created to empower young athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the court. For five years, successfully managed all day-to-day operations while creating a safe, structured environment focused on personal growth, education, and life skills development. My professional playing and coaching experience are second nature, but my ultimate mission is to keep kids off the streets, provide positive role models, and guide them toward their dreams and aspirations. Dedicated to helping the majority of student-athletes achieve college scholarships, career opportunities, and lifelong success, while instilling discipline, resilience, and a winning mindset that extends far beyond basketball.