Was Bo Jackson Good at Basketball?
Bo Jackson, born Vincent Edward Jackson, is an American athlete who is considered one of the greatest two-sport athletes of all time for his ability to play both baseball and football. Jackson is best known for his time as a running back in the NFL and as an outfielder in Major League Baseball. He was also quite successful on the basketball court, though not as well known. Jackson’s career in basketball is often overshadowed by his success in the other two sports, but there is no denying that he was an incredible basketball player.
Early Years
Jackson was a basketball star in high school at McAdory High School in Alabama. He was one of the top players in the state and named to the Alabama All-Star team in 1981. He was also named the Player of the Year in Alabama in 1982. He was recruited by many colleges for basketball, but chose to attend Auburn University to play football and baseball. At Auburn, he was also a member of the basketball team and was known for his incredible athleticism.
Auburn University
At Auburn, Jackson played on the basketball team and was a key contributor. He averaged 9.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in his three years on the team. His best season was his junior year, when he averaged 15.9 points and 5.3 assists per game. He also won the SEC Player of the Year award in 1983. He was known for his athleticism and incredible dunks, and was often compared to another great athlete, Michael Jordan.
Professional Career
After college, Jackson was drafted by both the NFL and the MLB. He chose to pursue a career in football and baseball, but he still had a great deal of interest in playing basketball. He played in the United States Basketball League (USBL) for the Jacksonville Jets in 1984 and 1985. In the USBL, Jackson was a dominant player and led the league in scoring with an average of 23.4 points per game. He also led the league in steals, blocks, and assists.
Basketball Accomplishments
Jackson was a two-time USBL All-Star and was named the USBL Player of the Year in 1985. He also played in the NBA All-Star Weekend in 1988 and was a member of the USA Basketball team in the 1986 FIBA World Championship. He was also a member of the USA team that won the bronze medal in the 1987 Pan American Games.
What Made Bo Jackson Great?
Jackson was an incredible athlete and had a unique combination of size, strength, and speed. He was a 6-foot-1 guard who could dunk with ease and was known for his high-flying dunks. He also had great court vision and was an excellent passer. He was an explosive scorer who could score from anywhere on the court.
Legacy
Jackson was an incredible athlete and basketball player who is remembered for his incredible athleticism and ability to play multiple sports. He was one of the first two-sport athletes to successfully play both baseball and football and was one of the best basketball players of his generation. He is remembered as one of the greatest athletes of all time and his legacy in basketball is one that will never be forgotten.
Conclusion
Bo Jackson was an incredible basketball player and athlete. He was a star in high school and college, and was a dominant player in the USBL. He was an explosive scorer and an excellent passer, and was known for his high-flying dunks. He was one of the first two-sport athletes to successfully play both baseball and football and is remembered as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Facts About Bo Jackson
- High School: McAdory High School
- College: Auburn University
- NBA All-Star Weekend: 1988
- USA Basketball: 1986 FIBA World Championship, 1987 Pan American Games
- USBL: All-Star, 1984-1985; Player of the Year in 1985
References
- Baker, Stephen. “Bo Jackson: Two-Sport Phenom.” MLB.com, MLB Advanced Media, 8 July 2016, m.mlb.com/news/article/197444420/bo-jackson-two-sport-phenom/
- “Bo Jackson.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 2 May 2018, biography.com/people/bo-jackson-11470906.
- “Bo Jackson.” NBA.com, NBA Media Ventures, LLC, nba.com/history/players/jackson_bo.html.
- “Bo Jackson Stats.” Basketball-Reference.com, Sports Reference LLC, basketball-reference.com/players/j/jacksbo01.html.
Pictures
- Baker, Stephen. “Bo Jackson: Two-Sport Phenom.” MLB.com, MLB Advanced Media, 8 July 2016, m.mlb.com/news/article/197444420/bo-jackson-two-sport-phenom/.
- “Bo Jackson.” NBA.com, NBA Media Ventures, LLC, nba.com/history/players/jackson_bo.html.
- “Bo Jackson Stats.” Basketball-Reference.com, Sports Reference LLC, basketball-reference.com/players/j/jacksbo01.html.
Conclusion
Bo Jackson was an incredible basketball player who was known for his athleticism and ability to play multiple sports. He was a star in high school and college, and was a dominant player in the USBL. He was an explosive scorer and an excellent passer, and was known for his high-flying dunks. He was one of the first two-sport athletes to successfully play both baseball and football and is remembered as one of the greatest athletes of all time.