Kaelin “K. J.” Jackson (born March 27, 1998) is an American professional basketball player for Aix Maurienne Savoie Basket of the LNB Pro B. He played college basketball for Temple College and UMBC.
| No. 0 – AMSB | |
|---|---|
| Position | Guard |
| League | LNB Pro B |
| Personal information | |
| Born | March 27, 1998 |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | |
| College |
|
| NBA draft | 2020: undrafted |
| Playing career | 2020–present |
| Career history | |
| 2020–2021 | CSU Sibiu |
| 2021–2022 | CSA Steaua București |
| 2022–present | Aix Maurienne Savoie Basket |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
High school career
editJackson attended Hightower High School and played basketball and football. As a senior wide receiver in 2015, he helped the Hurricanes finish with an undefeated season. On the basketball court, Jackson was named district MVP as a senior and led the team to a 32–5 record. He committed to play football at West Texas A&M on February 6, 2016. However, Jackson ultimately reconsidered and opted to play college basketball instead. His only option was to play junior college basketball, so he committed to Temple College after its coach Kirby Johnson noticed him while recruiting another player.[1]
College career
editJackson averaged a team-leading 19.5 points per game as a freshman. He was recruited by UMBC, but decided to return to Temple for his sophomore season.[1] UMBC did not have a scholarship for him at the time. As a sophomore, Jackson finished fifth in the nation with 25.8 points per game. He became Temple’s all-time scoring leader with 1,404 points. Jackson committed to the Retrievers after the season. He watched UMBC upset Virginia in the NCAA Tournament to become the first 16 seed to beat a 1 seed while at a Buffalo Wild Wings, wearing UMBC apparel.[2]
On December 8, 2018, he scored a UMBC career-high 31 points in a 91–76 win against Drexel.[3] Jackson averaged 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game as a junior. He was named to the Second Team All-America East.[4] As a senior, Jackson averaged 13.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.[5] He was again named to the Second Team All-America East.[6]
Professional career
editOn August 15, 2020, Jackson signed his first professional contract with CSU Sibiu of the Liga Națională.[7] He averaged 11.5 points, 3.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. On August 4, 2021, Jackson signed with CSA Steaua București.[8]
References
edit- ^ a b McDaniel, Jason (February 15, 2018). "Hightower grad Kaelin Jackson lights it up at Temple College". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ Warren, Brooks (October 1, 2020). "For Former UMBC Hoops Star K.J. Jackson, Romania Represents Next Step In Life". Press Box Online. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ "Jackson scorches Drexel, UMBC rolls in 2nd half to 91–76 win". ESPN. Associated Press. December 8, 2018. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ "NCAA Underground: America East". Zona de Basquet (in Spanish). August 11, 2019. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ Lee, Edward (November 18, 2020). "UMBC men's basketball ready to adapt as season opener nears amid coronavirus pandemic". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ "Lamb's Second Player of Year Honor Highlights 2019–20 Men's #AEHoops Honors" (Press release). America East Conference. March 6, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
- ^ Chelidze, Dimitri (August 15, 2020). "Sibiu signs rookie KJ Jackson". Eurobasket. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
- ^ Beres, Arnold (August 4, 2021). "CSM Steaua Bucuresti lands KJ Jackson". Eurobasket. Retrieved September 22, 2021.