Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins has accepted the general manager position for men's basketball at Jackson State, adding another layer to his post-playing career. The 14-year NBA veteran, who won the 2007-08 championship with the Boston Celtics, will maintain his ESPN analyst duties while taking on this new challenge with the Tigers program.

Perkins worked alongside new coach Trey Johnson and athletic director Ashley Robinson to finalize the arrangement. Jackson State finished just 12-21 last season and hasn't reached the NCAA tournament since 2007, when Johnson played for the team. Perkins expressed gratitude for the opportunity to impact young lives and give back to his community through this role.

His basketball resume includes championship experience and extensive knowledge of the modern game. Perkins has been with ESPN since 2019, providing analysis that will now complement his front office responsibilities. This move reflects the growing trend of former NBA players transitioning into college athletics administration.

Perkins joins Shaquille O'Neal, Stephen Curry, John Wall, and Damian Lillard among former players taking active roles at college programs. The combination of Johnson's coaching and Perkins' front office experience could accelerate Jackson State's rebuilding efforts.