I know this is coming a few days late, but I definitely think this needs a mention:

After 14 years of representing New Zealand in international play, star shooting-guard Phil Jones has decided to retire, but the left-handed, 34-year old Tall Black will continue to play in the local NBL (NZ’s professional league) for the Nelson Giants as well as for the New Zealand Breakers in the Aussie League.

It’s not that Jones feels as he cannot compete any longer, but he would like to spend more time with his young family; his wife Kat (who also played professionally) and daughter Maia, “I think I’m still playing reasonably well and can compete at that level, but family comes first. Definitely the big motivation is family.” Jones said.

Jones debuted in 1994 for the Tall Blacks, and has since participated in two Olympics, two World Championships, and over one-hundred games for the Kiwis. He also was named an all-star in the 2006 EuroCup.

Phil Jones had been instrumental in New Zealand’s success over the last decade including New Zealand’s fourth-place finish at the 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis.  However, Jones ranks the 2004 Athens Olympics more highly in terms of the team’s performance.

“That run in 2002 will never be forgotten in basketball circles but we were very strong in Athens.  We had Italy, Spain and Argentina in our group and took them all within four points.  We beat Serbia-Montenegro, which was a world power. The downer was Yao Ming having a career night, something like 40 points and 20 rebounds, against us for China, but otherwise I think 2004 was as good as that core group had ever played.” said Jones, whom was the tournament’s second leading scorer after Yao Ming, with 21.0 ppg.

Jones believes it was the right time to move on, in addition to spending more quality time with his family, he can’t help but to savor his final game, a win against their neighbor and rivals Australia, “It looks like my last international game was a win over Australia and, in hindsight, that’s absolutely the best way to finish it.”

Sources and Links: New Zealand “Tall Blacks” Phil Jones retires after 14 years (Interbasket Message Board), Phil Jones hangs up Tall Blacks jersey (Stuff.co.nz), Basketball: Jones quits for family reasons (Otago Daily Times), Jones calls end to Tall Black career (Nelson Mail), Jones Excited for All-Star Appearance (Fiba)