Born in New Bern, North Carolina, Jackson's family relocated to Brooklyn, N.Y. as a child. Jackson started his remarkable career at the famed Boys High, leading his team to the city championship. He became a legend at the Rucker Tournament in the 60's playing against future Hall of Famers like Wilt Chamberlain. His Brooklyn All Star team at the Rucker included his childhood friend Connie Hawkins. At Virginia Union, the 6-5 center earned the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's Freshman of the Year award. After graduating, Jackson was the 41st pick in the 1962 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Instead of joining the NBA, Jackson played for the world famous Harlem Globetrotters. He played one season with the team in 1963, before being drafted into the Army. In 1966, Jackson returned to the Globetrotters where he played for 15 seasons until 1981. Jackson was honored on Feb. 9, 2003 at the Harlem Globetrotters game at Madison Square Garden and inducted into their Hall of Fame. He is also a member of Virginia Union and The Rucker Tournament Hall of Fames. Jumpin' Jackie Jackson is currently enjoying his retirement residing in Brooklyn, N. Y. running his non-profit organization BALL 4 LIFE, and teaching his grandsons basketball in Atlanta. Jackson's autobiography "The Legend of Jackie Jackson" will be published in 2008. [source] Jackie Johnson is truly a face of Brooklyn