ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: Earl Jackson

TMP: When did you begin playing Basketball?

EJ: I started playing basketball at the age of 4.

TMP: What about Basketball attracted you?

EJ: I started at such a young age, I found life long friends around the game and it has been good to me.

TMP: What is it about Basketball that keeps you thrilled?

EJ: I have been blessed to do this as a profession and write a couple of books it has be a platform for me to be successful in another way. I think maximizing the game beyond the court keeps me thrilled.

TMP: How do you prepare for a game?

EJ: I shower before every game and I love to eat a salad before every game. Also love listening to music

TMP: What is the biggest misconception about Basketball?

EJ: That all you have to be is tall.

TMP: What is your view on the current state of Basketball?

EJ: The game is evolving more players can do everything rather being a master at one. Also the game as far as the NBA has gotten soft.

TMP: Would you consider Basketball to be your form of art?

EJ: Yes I would, I do it for a living, I train kids with it, I still study it, also I translate basketball to life skills when mentoring my kids.

TMP: Would you say that Basketball is an outlet to get out any stress?

EJ: Of course it is, I don’t focus on life problem when on the court.

TMP: How do you keep yourself on your toes when it comes to the sport?

EJ: I train everyday 2-3 times a day. It has become a habit a routine part of my normal.

TMP: What inspires you to keep going?

EJ: I thought about stop playing after my injury, the kids I trained inspired me to go back at it. I am loving how I have to retrain my body, mind, and skills to get back to playing at a high level.

TMP: How important is it to leave your heart on the floor and give it your all in a game?

EJ: You never know for sure the next time you will get on the court leave it out there every time.

TMP: What advice do you have for the little boy who is watching and wants to follow in your footsteps?

EJ: Don’t follow mine create your own. Its hard to walk in someone else’s shoes you may can’t conquer there storms like they did. Create your own path, set higher standards, work even harder. Everything will fall into place how it is suppose to as long as you are true to the game.

TMP: What is next for you?

EJ: I started my own basketball training company in Washington DC. I am heading to France mid July to host a basketball camp and discuss the branching of my company “Amour Basketball” in France. Just signed to play my 4th professional season in France, and I still want to maximize my books.

TMP: For those who do not know, can you explain what is "A Spirit of Perseverance”?

EJ: It is a book about my trials and tribulation to becoming a professional basketball player. Talks about situation I endured and overcame dealing with family, coaches and others.

TMP: What was the inspiration behind it?

EJ: To let the next individual know that they can get to where they want to in life no matter what it looks like at that specific moment.

TMP: Will this be a lane you will venture in more often?

EJ: Yes, I have another book "365 ways through 365 days” which is a daily devotional motivational quote based book.

TMP: Where can you bookS be found?

EJ: My books can be found on amazon.com

TMP: Are you social? IG? FB? Twitter?

EJ: yes I am. IG: earljackson_ amourbasketbal

Twitter: @ejasop

Facebook: Earl Jackson

Earl Jackson Bio

2015- Attended many back to school events.

2015-Author of motivational/Inspirational book “365 ways through 365 days”.

2014- Author of motivational/Inspirational book “A Spirit Of Perseverance”.

2014- Guest speaker at youth summer camp in France

2014-Guest speaker at “Skills Society Summer Slam” Oxon Hill, Maryland

2014- Community volunteer with Universal Kitchen and Project hunger to feed the homeless

2014- Guest speaker at Alma Mater Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte North Carolina

2014- Guest speaker at Mike Bozeman Academy Waldorf Maryland

2012/Present - Professional Basketball player abroad

2011- Assistant Junior Varsity coach at Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill Maryland.

2011- College graduate of Johnson C. Smith University. Computer Science/Information Systems

2010/Present- Life coach and mentor to young athletes.

2008/2012- 2 year cross country runner at Johnson C. Smith University.

2007/2011- 4 year Collegiate basketball athlete at Johnson C. Smith University. 2 conference

2007/2011- Mentor and camp counselor at Johnson C. Smith University’s summer camps.