Former NBA champion and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has been named the new general manager of Jackson State University’s men’s basketball program. The 41-year-old will take on the new role while also serving as a liaison between Jackson State’s men’s basketball program and the university’s broadcast and journalism department.
Perkins reacted to the appointment by saying he hopes to make a difference beyond basketball.
“I’m thankful for this opportunity to impact young lives and pour back into my community,” Perkins told ESPN.
The appointment marks Perkins’ first major front-office role in college basketball.
Who is Kendrick Perkins?
Kendrick Perkins is a former NBA center who spent 14 seasons in the league before becoming one of ESPN’s most recognizable basketball analysts.
Born in Beaumont, Texas, Perkins did not play college basketball. Instead, after being named a McDonald’s All-American at Clifton J. Ozen High School, he entered the 2003 NBA Draft, where he was selected with the No. 27 overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies before being immediately traded to the Boston Celtics.
Perkins established himself as Boston’s starting center and helped the franchise win the 2008 NBA championship.
He also played on the Celtics team that reached the NBA Finals in 2010. During his NBA career, he also suited up for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans before retiring in 2019. Across 14 seasons, he averaged 5.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Following his retirement, Perkins joined ESPN, where he became a regular NBA analyst across the network’s studio programming and game coverage. According to ESPN, his new role at Jackson State will extend beyond basketball operations, as he will also help strengthen ties between the men’s basketball program and the university’s broadcast and journalism department.
Perkins will work alongside first-year head coach Trey Johnson, who was promoted from associate head coach in April. His appointment comes as more college basketball programs add general managers to oversee roster-building and player personnel in the NIL era.
