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yesterday

Kendrick Perkins Agrees to Become Jackson State Men's Basketball General Manager

Jackson State says the hire aims to use Perkins’s NBA profile to boost recruiting; help the program navigate NIL and the transfer portal; and link the team with its broadcast and journalism program.

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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Derik Queen and Kendrick Perkins shake hands at an NBA game, Image 2 shows A man in a suit talking to a basketball player wearing a "Jackson State 55" jersey

Overview

  • Perkins, an ESPN analyst and 14‑season NBA veteran, agreed to take the general manager role at Jackson State in a move first reported by Shams Charania on Friday, June 19, 2026.
  • JSU and Perkins describe the position as covering roster strategy, recruiting, player development and navigating NIL deals and the transfer portal for the Tigers.
  • Perkins will also serve as a liaison to Jackson State’s broadcast and journalism department to create student opportunities and raise the program’s media profile.
  • The hire comes as Jackson State works to rebuild after a 12–21 2025–26 season and the May 2026 elevation of Trey Johnson to head coach, with Perkins said to have worked with Johnson and athletic director Ashley Robinson to finalize the role.
  • Jackson State’s move reflects a wider trend of NBA figures taking college front‑office or advisory roles to provide recruiting access, professional networks and greater visibility for programs.