Jumpin Jackie Jackson

Early life

Jackson was born in New Bern, North Carolina, and his family relocated to Brooklyn, New York when he was a child. He played for the Boys High School basketball team alongside baseball player Tommy Davis and future Basketball Hall of Famers Lenny Wilkens and Connie Hawkins.

It was while playing for the Virginia Union University basketball team, however, that Jackson's leaping ability took off. He averaged over 20 rebounds per game and was known for jumping over the defender's head on fast breaks. He was the CIAA freshman of the year in 1958.

During the summertime, he played on the Brooklyn All Star team in the Rucker Park Tournaments, along with his childhood friend Connie Hawkins and New York Knick Walt Bellamy. He built his playground status by dunking over Wilt Chamberlain and also blocking his finger roll in the same game.

Professional career

Jackson was selected number 41 in the 1962 NBA draft, but was personally recruited by Abe Saperstein, owner of the Harlem Globetrotters, to play for his team. He played with the Globetrotters for 20 years with Marques Haynes, Meadowlark Lemon, and Fred "Curly" Neal. While at Fort Sill Oklahoma He teamed with Lt. Eric Mooney and ran through U.S military teams like mercury. On a "half moon" backboard ... he could jump could jump up place a quarter on top hit the floor and go right back up and take it off. Jackie was not able to play in the military championship (1956) because of his professional status. Fort Sill maybe placed second. Lamar Whitaker personal recallection

Recognition

Jackson is a member of Boys High Hall of Fame, Virginia Union Hall of Fame, CIAA Hall of Fame, Rucker Tournament Hall of Fame, and Harlem Globetrotters Hall of Fame. Virginia Union also retired his number.