The NBA Developmental League announced former Memphis Tiger point guard Joe Jackson won the NBA D-League Most Improved Player award for the 2014-15 season on Thursday.
Jackson starred for the Bakersfield Jam in his debut season in the D-League. The former Tiger played in 38 games for the Jam and averaged 13.9 points on an efficient 50 percent shooting from the field. In addition, he dished out 4.9 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 24.8 minutes per game.
“Joe (Jackson) was a very talented player when he came to Bakersfield. His abilities are as high as any player in the NBA D-League,” said Bubba Burrage, Jam General Manager in a press release. “By the midway point of the season, he really began to understand the essence of his position. He improved in every facet. We are all very excited for Joe (Jackson) and the player he has become and for all the opportunities he has in his future.”
Tiger fans know all about Jackson’s talent, before playing in the D-League, the minor league of the NBA, the Memphis native played for the Memphis Tigers from 2010-14. And despite the ups and downs, Jackson left Memphis as one of the program’s best ever point guards.
When he first came to the Tigers, Jackson was originally thought to be a “one-and-done” player (a player who leaves college after one year to play professionally), but he would struggle initially.
However, Jackson grew significantly and became a key component of a Memphis team that qualified for four consecutive NCAA Tournaments from 2011-2014.
Individual recognition would soon find Jackson. In the 2012-13 season, he was named the Conference USA Player of the Year, one of the many individual honors he received in his time in the Blue and Gray.
After his senior season, Jackson went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft. Eventually, Jackson signed a contract with the Suns and was sent to their NBA D-League affiliate the Bakersfield Jam, located in Bakersfield, California.
Jackson then went on to win the most improved award despite missing 12 of 50 games for the Jam this season.
At age 23, Jackson may very well have an NBA career ahead of him after all. Tiger fans will definitely hope to see the “King of Memphis” in a NBA uniform come the start of the 2015-16 NBA season.
Former Memphis Tiger Joe Jackson averaged 12.1 points and 4.1 assists in 139 career games for the Blue and Gray. Photo by David Minkin
