BASKETBALL UNTIL THE END: A SPORTS INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS JACKSON

Las Vegas native Chris Jackson, a 6-foot, 3-inch forward for the Saints men’s basketball team, is now into his second season on campus. He chose to play at Mt. Hood as during his recruiting visit, he felt at ease around all the staff and players and felt like he would be more cared for here than at any other college.

Chris brings a lot to the team, with a quality work ethic, his slashing his wayes to the basket, and locking down on the defensive side. He averaged 8 points per game, grabbing 5 boards and dishing 2 assists as a freshman in the NWAC last season, with a season high of 16 points.

Asked what he believes he brings to the team, he answered, “I believe I bring leadership, whether that’s with how I’m playing or using my voice. I also bring intensity to the team, and defense.”

Mt. Hood is just a pit stop in Chris’s career path, as he has big plans to earn a scholarship to play at a four-year university where he will be able to showcase his talent and get an education, with a goal of going professional after his college years.

“I would like to go as far with basketball as I possibly could,” he said. “Of course, I’m going to try my best to make it to the NBA, but if that isn’t the case I’ll still play until I can’t anymore.”

Chris started playing basketball for enjoyment back as a sixth-grader in middle school, then he just fell in love with the game and has not stopped playing since.

Before Mt. Hood, he played for the Northwest CTA (Career & Technical Academy) and then went to Mojave High School back in Las Vegas, where he averaged 15 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game, with a season-high game of 32 points.

As for motivation, he lists his favorite quote, from Laker legend Kobe Bryant: “Are you a different animal, and the same Beast?”

Disclaimer: Aaron Badibo is a first-year player in the men’s basketball team and is a teammate of Chris Jackson