Erie, PA- Damon Jones, a former Mercyhurst Laker who participated on the Men's Basketball team from 2014-2016, earned an Olympic gold medal as part of the USA Women's Basketball support staff.  

The U.S. women's basketball team avoided a massive upset, making defensive stops down the stretch to defeat France 67-66. With the win, the USA secured its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, and 11th overall, dating back to 1996.  

A Laker standout, Jones was one-of-two Lakers to start in all 31 games during his senior season. Jones led the team in scoring, averaging 14.7 points per game, and scored 20 points or more six different times.  

The Cleveland, Ohio native continued his playing career after Mercyhurst, playing professionally for four years in Denmark, Spain and Ireland. As his playing career ended, his coaching career began. Before finding his way into the WNBA, Jones had coaching stints with Notre Dame College, John Carroll University, Missouri Western State University and Hope College. He also has several years of experience in various roles of player development and basketball operations with the NBA and G League, having worked for the Grand Rapids Gold and the Detroit Pistons. 

Now working with the Minnestoa Lynx as a Player Development Coach and Video Coordinator, Jones earned the opportunity to represent his country on the largest scale and has a gold medal to show for it.