ESPN's Kendrick Perkins Named General Manager For Jackson State Basketball

NBA champion and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins is about to become a general manager.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Friday that Perkins has been named the general manager for the Jackson State men's basketball team. This news came out of nowhere, but he should give the HBCU program a shot in the arm.

"Along with his work with the basketball team, Perkins told ESPN on Friday that he will have a connection to the school's broadcast and journalism program," Charania wrote. "Perkins worked closely with new Jackson State coach Trey Johnson and athletic director Ashley Robinson to finalize the role."

As you'd imagine, Perkins is fired up about this opportunity with Jackson State.

"I'm thankful for this opportunity to impact young lives and pour back into my community," Perkins said in a statement.

Perkins will bring plenty of experience to Jackson State.

Before he became a popular analyst for ESPN, Perkins played in the NBA from 2003-2018.

Perkins won a championship in 2008 with the Boston Celtics, averaging 6.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game that season. He then went on to have stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans.

At the very least, Perkins will bring championship pedigree to Jackson State's basketball program.

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 12:06 PM.