Key Points
- Kendrick Perkins named Jackson State men's basketball GM, reported June 19, 2026.
- The 14-year NBA veteran keeps his ESPN analyst role.
- Worked with new coach Trey Johnson and AD Ashley Robinson.
- Joins Shaq, Curry, Wall and Lillard in college front-office roles.
The HBCU sports-brand playbook is moving from football to the hardwood. Kendrick Perkins — a 14-year NBA veteran, 2008 champion, and ESPN analyst — has been named men's basketball general manager at Jackson State, ESPN's Shams Charania reported June 19. Perkins keeps his ESPN seat.
The hire follows a pattern: NBA names lending their brand and network to college programs — Shaquille O'Neal at Sacramento State, Stephen Curry at Davidson, John Wall at Howard, Damian Lillard at Weber State. Perkins worked with new Jackson State coach Trey Johnson and athletic director Ashley Robinson to shape the role, which also ties him to the school's broadcast and journalism program.
Why Jackson State, why now
Jackson State is the program Deion Sanders turned into a national brand on the football side before leaving for Colorado; the basketball team has more rebuilding to do, finishing 12-21 last season with its last NCAA tournament appearance back in 2007 — the year Johnson played for the Tigers. Perkins framed the move in community terms: "I'm thankful for this opportunity to impact young lives and pour back into my community." For HBCU programs chasing relevance and enrollment, a recognizable NBA champion in the front office is recruiting currency as much as basketball operations.
Sources: ESPN, HBCU Gameday
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