In the afternoon of Juneteenth 2026, ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news that ESPN analyst Kendrick “Big Perk” Perkins has agreed to become the General Manager of the Jackson St. men’s basketball team.
Perkins, a 14 year NBA veteran and 2008 champion, will also take on additional duties connected to the university’s broadcast and journalism program.
“I’m thankful for this opportunity to impact young lives and pour back into my community,” said Perkins.
Perkins is the latest in the line of former and current athletes joining college programs in administrative positions, a list that includes John Wall at Howard University, Shaq at Sacramento State, Steph Curry at Davidson, Damian Lillard at Weber State and Trae Young at Oklahoma,
Big Perk will maintain his duties at ESPN, where he was first hired in 2019 and signed a multiyear extension to remain in 2024.
The Tiger finished 12-21 last season and last made the NCAA Tournament in 2007.
But under new Tigers head coach Trey Johnson, who was a player on that 2007, and Perkins, athletic director Ashley Robinson and Jackson St. fans are hoping for big things in the years to come.
