Mark Jackson

Early Life and College Career

- Mark Jackson was born on April 1, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York.

- He attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School.

- Jackson played college basketball at St. John's University from 1983 to 1987, where he played alongside future NBA Hall of Famer Chris Mullin.

- He was a two-time First-Team All-Big East selection and led the NCAA in assists in 1986.

- Jackson developed a distinctive free throw routine, extending his hand and cupping his thumb and index finger around the rim to help him focus.

- He was selected by the New York Knicks with the 18th overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft.

NBA Playing Career

- Jackson played for seven different teams during his 17-year NBA career 1987-2004: the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets.

- He was known for his exceptional passing skills and court vision.

- Jackson led the NBA in assists per game during the 1996-97 season.

- He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1988 and was selected to one NBA All-Star Game in 1989.

- Jackson ranks 6th on the all-time assists list 10,334, 24th on the NBA all-time games list 1,296, and 34th on the all-time steals list 1,608.

- He is also credited with popularizing the teardrop shot, which he used to shoot over taller defenders.

NBA Coaching Career

- 2011 - Jackson was hired as head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

- 2012-2013 - He led the Warriors to a 47–35 record and a #6 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, their first playoff appearance since the 2006–07 season.

- 2013-2014 - The Warriors improved to 51–31, their first 50-win season since 1993–94, and reached the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

- May 6, 2014 - Jackson was fired by the Warriors.

Broadcasting Career

- Following his playing career, Jackson became a game analyst for YES Network's coverage of the New Jersey Nets.

- He later joined ESPN and ABC as a color commentator, where he became part of a popular broadcasting trio alongside Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen.

- June 2023 - Jackson was let go by ESPN.

Personal Life

- July 29, 1990 - Jackson married singer and actress Desiree Coleman.

- 2017 - The couple divorced after 27 years of marriage.

- Jackson is a Christian and a licensed minister.

- He is the older brother of AND1 streetballer Troy Jackson, better known as Escalade.

I have some information about Mark Jackson that I'd like to share.