Murray State University Athletics
Murray State Basketball Signs Shawn Jackson
11/11/2009 10:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Murray State head men's basketball coach Billy Kennedy announced the signing of Live Oak, Fla., center Shawn Jackson.
Jackson (6-9, 230) will be a freshman for the Racers in the fall of 2010 and is a senior this season at Melody Christian Academy.
As a junior, Jackson scored 19.5 points per game, grabbed 12 rebounds and recorded eight blocks for the Wildcats.
"Shawn is the best all-around big kid we recruited this summer," Kennedy said. "He defends, rebounds and can score. His wingspan makes him play bigger than he is."
"Shawn is a great kid," MCA head coach Mike Rains said. "A lot of kids with his size and ability can get a big head, but he's good with his teammates and he plays within our offense. He could probably score 25-30 points per game."
Jackson has size, but also a unique skills-set for a big man.
One of Jackson's more impressive games as a junior came against Florida 3A State Tournament runner-up Orlando Jones HS where he had a triple-double with 10 points, 21 rebounds and 19 blocked shots.
"Shawn has been well coached," Kennedy added. "He has been prepared to help us as a freshman."
"He can catch the ball on the on the elbow, he has a jumper that starts high and it's impossible to block," Rains said. "When you're a big man and can do that, it's a good combination."
Last season, Jackson was the player of the year and tournament MVP in his conference as MCA advanced to the semifinals of the National Christian School Athletic Association National Tournament in Nashville, Tenn.
He wanted a program that he could feel comfortable in and found it at Murray State.
"I think Coach Isaac Chew and Coach Billy Kennedy really care about kids," Rains said. "They have taken the time to get to know Shawn and have a genuine interest in him as a person which meant a lot to him. Shawn is like a son to me and I feel comfortable that when he gets to MSU, they're going to take care of him."
