Kendrick Perkins has agreed to become the men's basketball general manager at Jackson State, adding a former NBA big man and current ESPN analyst to the Tigers' college basketball operation.
ESPN reported the move Friday through Shams Charania. The article said Perkins told ESPN he had agreed to the role, and Hoops Rumors also noted that Perkins will continue his work for ESPN.
Jackson State Adds A Basketball GM
The job puts Perkins into an administrative role at Jackson State rather than a coaching seat. Hoops Rumors reported that he worked with new Tigers coach Trey Johnson and athletic director Ashley Robinson to finalize the position.
Perkins' NBA background gives the hire immediate name recognition, but the more useful detail is the structure. A college basketball general manager role generally sits closer to roster planning, player evaluation and program building than to game-night substitutions.
Jackson State has a clear reason to add support around the men's program. Hoops Rumors reported that the Tigers went 12-21 last season and have not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2007.
Perkins Keeps ESPN Role
The sourced reports did not include contract terms or a formal start date for Perkins. They did say he is expected to keep his ESPN role while taking on the Jackson State position.
The appointment gives Johnson a high-profile basketball staff voice as he begins his tenure. For Jackson State, the news is less about a celebrity attachment than a practical attempt to strengthen the program's basketball infrastructure after another losing season.