As we approach a highly anticipated USF basketball season, let's look back at some of the student-athletes who got us here. Our list of 10 essential USF basketball players may not line up perfectly with yours; discussion and debate is welcomed.
We'll list these 10 players in no particular order. They may or may not have huge statistics, and they may or may not have been a part of the big plays we all remember. But because of their talent, their effort or even their timing, they provided a major influence on our USF men's basketball program.
By JIM LOUK
Voice of the Bulls
TAMPA, OCT. 7, 2014 - While Charlie Bradley's scoring exploits stand alone in USF lore, there can be a case made for another Bull as being the most explosive scorer in program history. It's hard to imagine that anybody hit more shots per minute in a Bulls uniform than Altron Jackson.
Between 1998 and 2002, Jackson racked up 2,017 career points, second only to Bradley. Remarkably, he did it with just 57 career starts, and less than 30 minutes played per game in his career. And although he was an efficient three point shooter, not as many of his points came from behind the arc as you might think.
Jackson came to the Bulls from Sarasota Riverview High School. He started only two games as a freshman, averaging 8.9 points per game.
As a sophomore and junior, Jackson mixed in a few more starts, with 13 in each season. Despite still coming off the bench frequently, he did get a lot of floor time, averaging a little over 30 minutes per game in those years.
Starting less than 50 percent of the time those two years, Jackson averaged 18.2 and 18.9 points per game and was named the Conference USA Sixth Man of the year each season. In both years, Jackson led the nation in scoring off the bench. He won the Conference USA scoring crown as a junior.
It wasn't until his last season in 2001-02 that he moved in to a starting role, coming off the bench only three times. It resulted in his best year; 19.3 points per game for a Bulls team that won 19 games.
Jackson's career 16.5 points per game scoring average is sixth all-time, and he is second to Bradley in field goals made. He also ranks fourth all-time in steals with 181. His teams went a combined 68-54 in his USF career.
Jackson made it to the post season twice, as a sophomore and a senior. His final game was a good one; a 30 point performance against Ball State in the NIT on March 12, 2002.
Jackson's athleticism and quickness to the basket made him a challenge for teams to guard during USF's Conference USA days. He remains one of the most gifted players to ever wear the Bulls uniform.
USF men's basketball season tickets are on sale now and available online at GoUSFBulls.com, by calling 1-800-GoBulls, or in person at the USF Ticket Office. Season ticket members may renew their tickets online today.
The Bulls return three players who saw playing time last season in Corey Allen Jr., Anthony Collins, and Chris Perry. USF welcomes six newcomers as well as Jake Bodway, Dre Clayton and Bo Zeigler who redshirted their freshman season. Orlando Antigua is in his first season as head coach after spending the past five seasons as an assistant coach at Kentucky.
Previously in 10 Essential Bulls
John Kiser (Sept. 22)
Tommy Tonelli (Sept. 30)
