Richard Jackson has emerged as a team leader during a time of adversity for the Oklahoma City University men’s basketball team. After losing a number of players to ineligibility and injury, Jackson has stepped in to fill some pretty big shoes.
“It is extremely important that I play well now,” said Jackson. “With losing the scoring ability that we had earlier in the season, I have to be one of those players that can score.”
Averaging 18.3 points per game, Richard is leading the Stars’ scoring on the season. Last week, Jackson averaged 25 points, three rebounds and two steals for the Stars. He shot 73.1 percent from the field, 66.7 percent from 3-point range and 85.7 percent from behind the free-throw line.
After junior college, Jackson attended Idaho State until he was recruited to play for the Stars and joined the team in January of the 2007-08 season.
“I had played with J.R. (Ronald) Taylor earlier, and he had told me to look into OCU,” Jackson said. “It was a great experience to be recruited to a program that has been successful in winning national championships. I came to OCU because I knew that I would be able to play to my potential here.”
In 2007-08, the Stars picked up their second consecutive national championship.
“It was a big deal, a really big deal,” said Jackson. “I never thought that I would win a national championship during my college career.
“The best part about winning the national championship was that we all came together as a team and jelled really well. Even though I was the new guy, we all came together and did the job.”
The Stars are coming off a close game to John Brown losing by one. Jackson played all 40 minutes of the game.
“As long as we stay together as a team and play some defense, we can win some more games,” said Jackson. “It is going to be hard to get back, but I think we can do it.”
As a player who has been down the long road to winning the national championship, Jackson knows what it takes to get there and be successful.
“I want to lead the team on the floor and be able to be out there and do as much as I can,” said Jackson.
More on Richard:
Last book I read: Letters to My Younger Brothers
Favorite video game: Call of Duty 4
Favorite candy: Gushers
Greatest athlete of all time: Michael Jordan
My prediction for the upcoming season: Play hard
