Ray Jackson (basketball) facts for kids
Jackson in 1993 with the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team.
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| Shooting guard / small forward | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 13, 1973 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| High school | Lyndon B. Johnson (Austin, Texas) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Michigan (1991–1995) |
| NBA Draft | 1995 / Undrafted |
| Pro career | 1995–2001 |
| Career history | |
| 1995–1997 | Grand Rapids Mackers |
| 1997–1998 | SIG Strasbourg |
| 1998–1999 | Grand Rapids Hoops |
| 1999–2000 | Obras Sanitarias |
| 2000–2001 | Grand Rapids Hoops |
| 2001 | Cocodrilos de Caracas |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Ray Jackson (born November 13, 1973) is an American former professional basketball player. He is best known for being a member of the famous Fab Five team at the University of Michigan.
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College Basketball Journey
Ray Jackson was a key part of the well-known University of Michigan Wolverines "Fab Five" basketball team. This team also included future NBA players Chris Webber, Jimmy King, Jalen Rose, and Juwan Howard.
The Fab Five's Success
As freshmen and sophomores, the Fab Five reached the 1992 and 1993 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship games. This was a huge achievement for the team.
Later, some of the team's records from those years were changed. However, Ray Jackson was not found to have received any money that caused these changes.
Staying All Four Years
Ray Jackson and Jimmy King were the only two members of the Fab Five who stayed at Michigan for all four years of their college eligibility. Chris Webber left after his second year, and Jalen Rose and Juwan Howard left after their third years.
Ray Jackson's best season at Michigan was his senior year. During that time, he averaged almost 16 points per game, which was the highest on his team.
Professional Basketball Career
Even though he was famous from the Fab Five, Ray Jackson was not chosen by an NBA team in the draft. He never played in the NBA. He tried out for the New York Knicks in 1995 and the Detroit Pistons in 1996 but was cut before the season started.
Playing in the CBA
In 1995, he was drafted by the Grand Rapids Hoops in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). This was a professional basketball league in the United States.
While playing for the Hoops, he earned the CBA Rookie of the Year Award in the 1995–96 season. This award recognized him as the best new player in the league.
International Play
After his time in the CBA, Ray Jackson played basketball in other countries. He played in France for the Pro A team SIG Basket. He also played in Argentina with Obras Sanitarias, where he averaged 16 points per game. Later, he played in Venezuela with Cocodrilos de Caracas.
In 2007, Ray Jackson shared that it took him a long time to accept that he was the only Fab Five member who didn't make it to the NBA. However, he said he was happy with his life and what he was doing.
Life After Basketball
Today, Ray Jackson lives in Austin, Texas. He runs a moving company there.
He also leads a non-profit organization called Rise Up. This organization helps children with their social skills, education, and basketball abilities. It shows his continued dedication to helping young people.
