Tulsa Shock Re-signs Marion Jones

Jones closed last season averaging more than 10 points and five rebounds in the last three games of the year.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:12 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Feb 16, 2011 2:22 PM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

TULSA, Okla. – The Tulsa Shock announced Wednesday that it has re-signed Marion Jones to a multi-year extension.

Jones won a National Championship as a starting point guard with North Carolina in 1994 before she changed sports and became an Olympic track runner. Her track career ended with an admission that she used performance-enhancing drugs, after which she switched back to basketball and joined the Shock.

"I am thrilled to return to the Tulsa Shock and the WNBA," Jones said in a statement. "I was blessed to be part of the Shock's first season in Tulsa, and I look forward to continuing the journey to WNBA success with Coach [Nolan] Richardson over the next couple of years"

As a rookie last season, Jones played in all 34 regular-season games and averaged 3.4 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.

“We are very happy and proud to have Marion Jones back on our team in 2011,” Richardson said. “She came on strong last year and she’s looking forward to starting another season with that experience under her belt. Our entire coaching staff is excited to have her back and we are looking forward to a great year from her on the court.”

Jones’ best portion of the season came at its conclusion, when she saw increased playing time and averaged more than 10 points and five rebounds in the last three games. She earned her first start in the final game of the year and finished with a career-high 14 points.

"I am especially pleased and humbled that Coach Richardson and the entire Tulsa Shock family have demonstrated their confidence in my development and my ability to positively contribute to the team, the growth of the organization, and the Tulsa community," Jones said.