A major name in basketball and sports media is headed to the HBCU ranks.
Former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has agreed to become the men’s basketball General Manager at Jackson State University, adding another high-profile figure to the Tigers’ athletic department.
Perkins, a 14-year NBA veteran who won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, said the opportunity is about more than basketball.
“I’m thankful for this opportunity to impact young lives and pour back into my community.”
In addition to serving as men’s basketball GM, Perkins will also have a connection to Jackson State’s broadcast and journalism program, creating opportunities for students interested in sports media and communications.
The move represents another significant investment in the future of Jackson State athletics, as schools across the HBCU landscape continue to find innovative ways to attract talent, increase visibility, and strengthen their programs.
Perkins brings experience from both the professional basketball world and national sports media, giving Jackson State student-athletes access to valuable mentorship, networking opportunities, and insight into the highest levels of the game.
For Jackson State, the addition of Perkins could prove impactful both on and off the court as the Tigers look to elevate their men’s basketball program while enhancing opportunities for students pursuing careers in sports broadcasting and journalism.
