Murray State University Athletics
Racers Sign 6-8 Forward Jackson
4/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Murray State boosted its frontline Thursday when it added post man Reggie Jackson of Lamar (Colo.) Community College to its roster, Racer head coach Mick Cronin announced after receiving Jackson's official letter-of-intent.
Jackson, a 6-foot-8, 235 pound forward from Denver, Colo., averaged 12.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game last season at Lamar, which set a school single-season record for wins during its 28-5 campaign.
"Reggie's a great person who will fit in well with our program," said Cronin. "He'll be a great addition to our team as well as Murray State University and I'm excited to have him in our program."
Cronin said Jackson's signing gives the Racers a talented inside presence to go along with a deep backcourt expected to hit the floor for the Racers next season. "Reggie gives us another big guy who can score in the post," Cronin said of the junior-to-be.
At Lamar, Jackson started 60 of 64 games during his career. A talented inside scorer, Jackson shot 67 percent from the field for his career.
"It's a good fit for both Reggie and Murray State," said Lamar head coach Kris Baumann. "He's a very talented young man and I think he has a chance to be a very good player in (the Ohio Valley Conference)."
Jackson's best game came in Lamar's regular-season finale against Mid-Plains College when he scored 30 points on 12-of-13 shooting. Baumann said Jackson loved the Murray community and campus when he made his official visit to Murray State.
"He's a big kid that can really score with his back to the basket," said Baumann. "He's got to get better defensively and I think he'll do that. He's a kid who's best basketball is still ahead of him and he made a great decision signing with Murray State and coach Cronin.
"Murray State is not only getting a great player, but a great kid who has been an asset to Lamar Community College."
Murray State finished 28-6 last season and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the 12th time in school history after winning the OVC Tournament. MSU must replace seven scholarship players who completed their eligility this year and are scheduled to graduate.
