Alabama A&M names Donte’ Jackson new men’s head basketball coach
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Alabama A&M announced earlier this month that Donte’ Jackson will become the new men’s basketball coach. Jackson becomes the 11th head coach in program history and the sixth since Alabama A&M joined NCAA Division I.
Here’s what we know:
Jackson becomes AAMU’s 11th men’s basketball coach
Jackson arrives at Alabama A&M after an eight-season tenure at Grambling State University, where he built a reputation for success.
A three-time SWAC Coach of the Year, Jackson led Grambling State to three regular-season titles. Most notably, he guided the Tigers to their first-ever SWAC Tournament Championship and NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament appearance in the 2023-24 season.
Jackson said his decision to join Alabama A&M was both personal and professional.
It’s time to build a winner – a championship-level program that will compete for championships every single year. One thing’s for sure: I know I can do it. And as one rapper said back in the day, ‘If you don’t believe me, just watch.’”
Donte’ Jackson, new Alabama A&M men’s basketball coach
Jackson’s plan for the Bulldogs
Jackson outlined three key pillars for success:
- Recruiting: “We are going to recruit, recruit, and recruit. We are going to recruit the 256, the 205, the 334, the 251 – we are going to recruit the region and the nation. We are going to recruit the best players that fit us institutionally and athletically.”
- Discipline: “We’re going to have discipline on the court and off. We will ensure our athletes have success in the classroom and on the court. The majority of the time, I deal with African American men, and my graduation rate is 95%.”
- Coaching and Relationships: “Our coaching staff is going to coach their butts off. We are going to build and nurture positive relationships with our student-athletes. Once they know you care about them as a person, not just a player, they are willing to go further and further for you.”
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