Who Is Mark Jackson Jr? Everything You Need To Know
Mark Jackson Jr seems to be following in his father’s footsteps – here’s everything you need to know about him!
It often happens in sport and the showbiz world that kids will follow in their parents’ footsteps – and especially so if one of those parents is sporting legend Mark Jackson.
So who is his son? Here’s everything you need to know!
Who Is Mark Jackson?
If you’re a fan of the New York Knicks, then you’ll know basketball player Jackson for his talent on the court. Jackson didn’t just play for the New York Knicks either. He played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors.
Mark not only played professional basketball, but he coached it as well. Now retired from the sport, he can reflect on a career spanning 17 years – which is a long time for a professional sporting career when you need to be in peak fitness!
Image Source: Bleacher Reporter
What Is The Ex Basketball Star Doing Now?
Although Mark retired from playing basketball, that didn’t stop him remaining involved with his beloved sport. He then became a broadcast commentator for the game, for ESPN and ABC.
This job also saw him working with his own former basketball coach, Jeff Van Gundy. But Mark Jackson didn’t stop there. He also had a job as an analyst for the New Jersey Nets games, and was again hired as a coach in 2011 for the Golden State Warriors.
Image Source: NBC Sports
Jackson was then sacked from his coaching position in 2014 – even though he led the team to playoff appearances for the first time in two decades.
Who Is Mark Jackson Jr?
It seems sporting talent runs in the family – and specifically basketball at that. Mark Jackson Jr played for the Manhattan Jaspers during the 2012 to 2013 season. He transferred from the University of Louisville.
The Manhattan Jaspers were formed to represent Manhattan College in athletics. Composed of 19 teams, they compete in the NCAA Division 1.
Image Source: NY Daily News
Jackson Jr was born in 1991, on 28th December. He is the brother of siblings Christian and Micah (two boys) and his sister Heavyn. All are children to professional basketball player Mark and their mother, Desiree Jackson.
Although Jackson Jr has experience with the game and played his fair share of college games, it seems his aspirations might lay outside of sport. Despite his father’s successful career – and perhaps influence over what he’d like his son to do – Jackson Jr majored in English in Manhattan and may have aspirations to be a writer instead! Maybe a sports writer?
Image Source: NY Daily News
Alongside this, Jackson Jr’s other hobbies and interests see him serving as a youth minister at his church in California.
What Happened To Troy Jackson?
Proving yet again that sporting talent runs in the family, Troy Jackson was also an American basketball player. He was the younger brother of Mark, and better known by his nickname Escalade.
Jackson was known for his large stature and weight, but this never got in the way of his professional athletics career.
Image Source: Alchetron
Despite only playing twenty games for his team over the years, Troy gained a reputation with basketball fans through the AND1 Mixtape Tour. It was a traveling streetball exhibition which Troy had joined in 2002.
On February 20th, 2011, Troy died in his sleep due to heart complications.
Mark Jackson Jr Academic Career
His Time Before Playing For The Manhattan Jaspers
Jackson Jr graduated from Taft High School. During his freshman and senior years, he played for head coach Derrick Taylor. After meeting transfer requirements, Jackson Jr then played a short senior season. It was due to his help that the Toreadors finished with a 26-6 record.
He also helped Taft to reach the regional semi finals of the California Division I state tournament.
Jackson Jr had transferred to Taft from Calabasas High School, where he’d played the sport during his sophomore and junior seasons.
Image Source: Go Jaspers
2010 to 2011
Jackson Jr unfortunately had to delay his season due to an injury.
2011 to 2012
Jackson Jr appeared at Louisville during these years. He took part in three games, one of which included the season opening victory against UT Martin.
He scored 5 points against UT Martin: he went 2 for 2 from the field with a three pointer.
In wins over Long Beach State and Fairleigh Dickinson, Jackson Jr earned minutes off the bench.
2012 to 2013
Jackson Jr began 5 of 10 appearances during the regular sporting season. This included 8 MAAC contests.
He also earned his first collegiate start at Rider. He played for 21 minutes and scored 4 points for the winning match.
He then started his last 5 out of 10 appearances during the regular season. Unfortunately, he then suffered an injury at Fairfield.
Image Source: Alchetron
