Jackson sets his sights high
Athletic forward sets himself challenge to shoot for the big time
Not content with being a development player in the NBL, Tevin Jackson (above) will use the 2017 Queensland Basketball League season to push his case to make a NBL roster. The athlete has spent time with the Perth Wildcats and Cairns Taipans as a development player and will lead the Cairns Marlins front-court this season. With Cameron Tragardh and James Mitchell gone, Jackson will be called upon to do a lot of the heavy lifting by coach Jamie Pearlman.
to Tevin Jackson’s job application.
Not content with being a development player in the NBL, the athletic power forward will use the 2017 Queensland Basketball League season to push his case to make a NBL roster.
The West Australian has spent time with the Perth Wildcats and Cairns Taipans as a development player and will lead the Cairns Marlins front-court this season.
With Cameron Tragardh and James Mitchell gone from last year’s Marlins championship side, Jackson will be called upon to do a lot of the heavy lifting by coach Jamie Pearlman.
The former McNeese State forward is looking forward to the challenge and wants to push his case for a permanent spot with an NBL club.
“For me, my attitude is that I do not want to be a development player, I want to crack a team,” Jackson said.
“I would prefer for it to be the Cairns Taipans because I had a lot of fun in the preseason when I was playing. “I would like to crack an 11. “I want it to be with the Taipans but if not, I am totally fine with it and I will look to start my career.
“This QBL season is an interview for the big job.”
The Marlins have a seasonopening grudge match against Townsville tomorrow the first encounter between the Heat and Marlins since last year’s semi-finals.
The athletic forward landed the Far North straight after his last QBL campaign with Gladstone and quickly developed a strong relationship with Taipans assistant Pearlman.
Most days after Taipans practice, Pearlman, who douWELCOME bles as the Marlins coach, would spend individual time with Jackson.
Jackson is confident that he can stretch the floor this season, stepping out to shoot the three as well as being athletic around the rim.
“I was not shooting the ball well when I first got to Cairns, that was one of my biggest downfalls,” Jackson said.
“I worked with Jamie day in and day out and that has really helped me with my confidence.
“My shot will open up my game a little more.
“Jamie and I have a great relationship and it translated onto the court, we really trust each other.”