 Linnell
Jones McKenney
2002 Greater Flint
Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: MULTIPLE SPORTS
Parents:
Calvin Jones (Father), Eular Jones (mother)
Husband: Ricky
Daughters: Constance and Kimberly
Linnell grew up on the north side of Flint. She attended Jefferson
Elementary, Bryant Junior High and Graduated from Flint Northwestern
High School.
Linnell was hailed as a super star in the 1974 Olympian Games. She
was the top individual performer in the Champion of Champions Track
Meet at Lake Ville, setting three records. She was chosen three times
All City, All Saginaw Valley and All State in track.
Linnell was the first girl to play on the boys junior high basketball
team at Bryant Junior High. With that accomplishment she gained state-wide
attention.
In her three years at Northwestern, Linnell was one of the most outstanding
athletes in Genesee County, ranking with the best in track and on the
hardwood. She was named Most Valuable Player on her high school team.
In college she was best player as a freshman in the GLIAC at Ferris
State and after six games, Linnell zoomed to the top with a 21.8 scoring
average and a 12.4 rebounding average. She was given honorable mention
by the World Basketball Leagues National Scouting Association. She
made All American at Kentucky State University and made the final cut
for the 1980 U. S. Olympics. She was also given honorable mention by
the NAWS Selection Committee.
Linnell averaged 12 points and 13 rebounds and led her team with 108
steals. She was selected number four in the Women's Professional Basketball
League and drafted by the St. Louis Streaks.
Linnell was the first of 15 Americans chosen for the European Professional
League. She played in the European Professional League for five and
a hal years in Rome, Italy. Linnell was Most Valuable Player three
times, and an All Star five times, named best player in Europe and
held a scoring record of 84 points in one game. Linnell also played
on the Italian National Basketball Team in Japan.
Linnell and her family reside in Flint where she operates the Linnell
Jone McKenney Basketball Camp.
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