Quentin Jackson, Jr. is ready for a new start. The graduate transfer has one final season of eligibility and chose the Loyola Marymount University men's basketball program as the place to spend his final season of college ball.
Jackson, who grew up on the east coast in in Cary, North Carolina, and made stops at UNC Charlotte, Tallahassee Community College, and Temple as undergraduate, is now making the move west.
"I've always associated California or the west coach in general as a place where people go to either restart or make a name for themselves," said Jackson. "So, it's exciting to be in a place that feels competitive and full of opportunities!"
Plenty of universities would love to have the talents of Jackson on their roster heading into the new year. He can handle the ball. He can attack. He performs under pressure. The immediately-eligible Jackson chose to come to the opposite side of the country and play for LMU.
"The history of LMU as a basketball program drew me in instantly," said Jackson. "The opportunity to play in a conference against great competition night in and night out was very appealing. Coach Johnson was very clear on the vision he had for his program and the type of people he wanted around him and I felt comfortable knowing that I would be surrounded by a good group of people with our players and staff."
Jackson is prepared to do what the coaching staff asks of it, if it means giving the Lions a better shot at a win. He's been through the cycle of a college season; he gets what it takes to be successful.
"I would describe my game as a player who wants to win and a player that will do whatever is needed for the team to win that specific game," said Jackson. "As well as a player who is consistent in doing what it takes to help the team win. As a senior transferring, I just want to help the guys understand (if they already don't) how fragile this opportunity is and help them take advantage of every opportunity we get to play this game."
Quentin Jackson, Jr. understands how special this time is in a student-athlete's life. For the 2020-21 season, he will cherish his time as a Lion.
