BIRMINGHAM – When Quan Jackson signed with UAB in April 2020, he was looking forward to spending his final year of NCAA eligibility wearing the Green and Gold. Six months later, the NCAA ruled that all winter athletes in NCAA Division I sports would be given an additional year of eligibility. This decision piqued Jackson’s interest.
“The NCAA’s ruling got me thinking. Not only would I have another year to better my game, but I can also stay at UAB and help them win another championship,” said Jackson.
Although some of the teammates have changed, Jackson’s team expectations have not. “I want to help the team do better, win a conference championship and go to the Big Dance,” Jackson said. And he will have six new teammates to help accomplish that goal in Justin Brown, KJ Buffen, AD Diedhiou, Jamal Johnson, Tyreke Locure and Elijah Tate.
“Coach Kennedy signed good players that will fit the team right away and make a big impact on what we’re trying to build,” said Jackson. “I know they can help us out right away. We’re always going to be good on defensive, but they’ll be impactful on the offensive end.”
Jackson helped anchor one of the best defenses in the nation last season. The Blazers were fourth in the nation allowing only 60.3 points per game. Jackson had a tremendous first season wearing the Green and Gold. He led C-USA and was 24th in NCAA with 53 steals and third in Conference USA with 2.2 steals per game. For his tremendous play, he earned a spot on the C-USA All-Defensive Team, despite an injury that caused him to miss almost five weeks of action.
“As I continue to get healthier, everything else will come. My game has changed tremendously since the injury. I made sure I was taking my time coming back and working on my prep. Now, I’m shooting the ball better, which is a good sign. Hopefully, hopefully it carriers over to the season.”
And after the 2021-22 season ends, Jackson still on taking his game to the next level.
“Whether it is the NBA, the G-League or overseas, I want to play the game that I love professionally.”
But for now, he’s focused on returning to Bartow Arena in the fall. Asked what he is looking forward to the most for the 2021-22 season, Jackson said, “The fans. I can’t wait to have the fans back. I’m really excited to play in a packed out Bartow Arena.”
MEN’S BASKETBALL TICKET INFORMATION
Men’s basketball season tickets for the 2021-22 season are on sale now. Current basketball season ticket holders can click here to renew their original 2020-21 seat locations prior to social distancing adjustments. Click here to purchase new 2021-22 season which start as low as $100 with the Blaze’s Corner season ticket.
Fans interested in season tickets can fill out the season ticket request form or contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 to receive additional information.
For more information on the UAB men’s basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
