CGU’s Jackson has endured 5 surgeries

Since joining Grand Canyon’s basketball team four years ago, Matt Jackson has had five surgeries: two on each hip and one on his back.

“They were all interconnected some how,” the 6-foot-8 forward said.

But here he is, in his final season at Grand Canyon University, helping the Antelopes off the bench, a walking testimony of how not to give up on something you love.

“After back surgery (after his sophomore season in 2016), I thought that was the last thing,” he said. “Somehow, I had to get the hips done again. It was definitely a shock. But I just sucked it in.”

Jackson could have walked away. “I thought about it,” he said. “It crossed my mind. But I was too young.”

Jackson, 23, spent the 2016-17 out as a medical redshirt.

“I’m full go right now,” he aid. Jackson is making contributions off a bench that is making the most of the court time coach Dan Majerle is giving them.

Knowing he’s got more depth this year, Majerle doesn’t hesitate to bring in the second unit when things aren’t working out the way he wants. Sometimes, it could be four or five minutes into the game, and Majerle is turning to his bench.

Jackson is making the most of his opportunities, along with fellow Aussie Gerard Martin, another senior who came to the Antelopes the same time as Jackson.

“Anything that they need, whether scoring or defense,” Jackson said. “Anything to get the guys going.”

In GCU’s last game, a 69-67 win at home against Boise State, the bench scored 39 points — Jackson had 10.

“We’ve got to find a way to get out starters playing a little better, so our bench doesn’t have to go in there and save the day,” Majerle said. “But I’m happy with the guys coming off the bench.

“Matt’s been playing great. Gerard does everything. He took three charges, had two blocks (against Boise State). They’re glue guys. They’ve been here for five years. They know all the plays and how things have worked. They’ve been great for us.”

Jackson and Martin are going to be needed Sunday against No. 6 Nevada at 3:30 p.m. at Talking Stick Resort Arena in the Jerry Colangelo Classic. It is the second game of a double-header. At 1 p.m., top-ranked Gonzaga plays seventh-ranked Tennessee.

Nevada starts five redshirt seniors, led by 23-year-old Caleb Martin, who helped the Wolfpack make a run to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen last year.

Both Jackson and 6-6 guard Martin began their GCU careers as starters.

Both are finishing their careers coming off the bench.

“I just like playing,” Martin said. “