Kendrick Perkins named Jackson State men's basketball GM

Former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has agreed to become the general manager of the Jackson State University men's basketball program. The deal was first reported on Friday, June 19, 2026.

Perkins will continue his role as a television analyst for ESPN while taking on the new executive position. He will also have a connection to the university's broadcast and journalism program. In a statement, Perkins said he is thankful for the opportunity to impact young lives and pour back into his community.

The former NBA center, who won a title with the Boston Celtics in 2008, will work closely with new Jackson State head coach Trey Johnson and athletic director Ashley Robinson. The Tigers are coming off a 12-21 season and have not appeared in the NCAA Tournament since 2007, when Johnson was a player on the team.

Perkins, who went straight to the NBA from high school and played 14 professional seasons, has been an analyst for ESPN since 2019. His move into a college front office follows a trend of former NBA players taking roles at university programs. He reportedly finalized the agreement after working directly with Johnson and Robinson.