When David Jackson transferred from Utah to Oregon in 1999, the Ducks were just a few years away from starring in the NCAA Tournament.
The Portland native played two seasons with Oregon, ending his career in 2001. Jackson, however, got the chance to step on the floor just 17 times in those two seasons with the Ducks.
Injuries hindered the former Wilson High School star from establishing any kind of presence with Oregon. Tonight, he will get the chance to step on the McArthur Court floor again when the Portland Trail Blazers take on the Sacramento Kings in an exhibition game. The first tip is set for 7 p.m.
“I love playing at Mac Court,” Jackson said. “When you play your home games at Mac, it’s kind of like you and your fans against the world.”
Jackson began his collegiate career with Utah. He played in 32 games for the 1997-98 Utes team, which ended up losing the national title game to Kentucky that season, 78-69.
He transferred to Oregon after his sophomore season and played sparingly for Oregon head coach Ernie Kent’s teams. Knee surgery on Jan. 3, 2000 forced him to miss 15 games of his first season with the Ducks. The next season, his knees acted up again and sapped his playing time.
After graduating from Oregon, Jackson spent time with leagues in Germany, Brazil and South Korea. He even interned at Nike for fourth months in 2001 before going back to basketball.
Last season, he helped lead TG Xers — a club in South Korea — to the league title. He poured in 34 points in the win.
“I shoot all the balls (in South Korea),” Jackson said. “Every play down the floor was an isolation play for me.”
With the Trail Blazers, Jackson is one of eight guards listed on the Blazers’ roster.
That roster includes Derek Anderson, Jeff McInnis, Damon Stoudamire and Bonzi Wells.
“It’s actually been great,” he said. “I’m learning a lot of where I fit in and about the NBA level.”
Jackson does have a realistic chance at making Portland’s opening night roster. He spent every day at the Blazers’ practice facility over the summer, fine tuning the skills he’s continued developing overseas.
“The feedback has been to keep busting my ass,” he said.