Jumpin Jackie Jackson facts for kids
"Jumpin" Jackie Jackson (born January 25, 1940 – died May 4, 2019) was an amazing American basketball player. He was known for his incredible jumping skills. Jackie became famous playing "streetball" at the Rucker Playground in New York City in the 1960s. He then played for 20 years with the famous Harlem Globetrotters. He got his nickname "Jumpin" because he could supposedly jump so high he could grab a quarter off the top of a basketball backboard!
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Jackie Jackson's Early Life and Skills
Jackie Jackson was born in New Bern, North Carolina. When he was a child, his family moved to Brooklyn, New York. He played basketball for Boys High School. On his team were future sports stars like baseball player Tommy Davis. Also, future Basketball Hall of Famers Lenny Wilkens and Connie Hawkins played with him.
College Basketball Achievements
Jackie's amazing jumping skills really grew when he played for the Virginia Union University basketball team. He was known for getting more than 20 rebounds in each game. He could even jump over defenders during fast breaks! In 1958, he was named the best freshman player in the CIAA league.
Becoming a Streetball Legend
During the summer, Jackie played in the Rucker Park Tournaments. He played with his childhood friend Connie Hawkins. New York Knick player Walt Bellamy was also on his team. Jackie became a legend on the playground. He once famously performed a slam dunk over Wilt Chamberlain. In the same game, he also blocked Wilt Chamberlain's "finger roll" shot.
Jackie Jackson's Professional Career
In 1962, Jackie Jackson was chosen in the 1962 NBA draft. However, Abe Saperstein, the owner of the Harlem Globetrotters, personally asked him to join his team. Jackie played with the Globetrotters for 20 years. He played alongside other famous Globetrotter stars. These included Marques Haynes, Meadowlark Lemon, and Fred "Curly" Neal.
Recognizing Jackie Jackson's Legacy
Jackie Jackson received many honors for his basketball career. He was inducted into several Halls of Fame. These include the Boys High Hall of Fame and the Virginia Union Hall of Fame. He is also in the CIAA Hall of Fame and the Rucker Tournament Hall of Fame. Finally, he was honored in the Harlem Globetrotters Hall of Fame. Virginia Union University also "retired his number." This means no other player at the university will ever wear his jersey number again. It is a special way to honor a great player.
