March Madness Spotlight: Jackson State

NCAA Tournament Appearances:
3 (1997, 2000, 2007)

NCAA Tournament Record
0-3

NIT Appearances
2 (1993, 2010)

The Jackson State basketball program began in 1950 competing in the Midwest Athletic Association before transitioning to the SWAC. Under the leadership of Harrison Wilson, the team achieved early success, winning the Midwest Athletic Association Championship in the 1952-53 and 1956-57 seasons

In 1977, Jackson State transitioned to NCAA Division I, marking a new chapter in its basketball history. The team quickly established itself as a force within the SWAC, winning multiple regular-season and tournament championships. The Tiger were led during this time by the legendary Paul Covington who coached at JSU from 1967-1986. Covington’s tenure included five SWAC regular-season titles and one SWAC tournament championship, solidifying his legacy as one of the program’s most influential figures.

In the 70’s there was no better 2 man combo in the country than the two brothers from Hattiesburg Gene and Purvis Short. Gene, the elder of the two, was a dominant force during his time at Jackson State. Known for his scoring ability and versatility, Eugene was a standout player who earned All-American honors. His exceptional performances led to him being selected as the third overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, making him one of the highest-drafted players in Jackson State history.

Purvis followed in his brother’s footsteps and became a star in his own right. Purvis was known for his high-arching jump shots and scoring prowess, which earned him the title of Jackson State’s all-time leading scorer. His remarkable college career led to him being selected in the first round of the 1978 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. Purvis went on to have a successful 12-year NBA career, during which he scored nearly 15,000 points.

(Above: The Tiger were led in the 70’s by the Short Brothers; Purvis above, later had a stand out career with the Golden State Warrior. Gene, below was picked number 3 overall in the 1975 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks

Over the years, Jackson State has produced several standout players who have left an indelible mark on the program. Lindsey Hunter, a two-time SWAC Player of the Year, went on to have a successful NBA career, including winning two NBA championships.

(Above: Lindsey Hunter was one of the greatest players in program history from 1990-1993. He would later be picked number 10 overall in the NBA Draft and have an 18 year career in the NBA)

The Tigers have made three appearances in the NCAA Division I Tournament, in 1997, 2000, and 2007. Although they have yet to secure a win in the tournament, these appearances underscore the program’s ability to compete at the highest level. Additionally, Jackson State has a storied history in the NCAA Division II Tournament, with five appearances and a combined record of 4-6.

The Jackson State Tigers made their first appearance in the 1997 NCAA Tournament after winning the SWAC Tournament to secure an automatic bid as 16 seed underdog. In the first round, Jackson State faced the No. 1 seed Kansas Jayhawks, a powerhouse team led by future NBA stars like Paul Pierce. The Tigers put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell to Kansas with a score of 78–64

In 1999-2000 season The Tigers finished the regular season with a 17–16 overall record and a 10-8 record in the SWAC. Despite facing challenges during the regular season, Jackson State found their stride in the SWAC Tournament. In the 2000 NCAA Tournament, Jackson State was seeded No. 16 in the West Region. They faced a daunting challenge in the first round against the No. 1 seed Arizona Wildcats, a team stacked with talent and considered one of the favorites in the tournament. The Tigers were no match to Wildcats lost 71-47.

The Tigers’ most recent appearance in the Tournament was 2007. In the first round, Jackson State faced a daunting challenge against the No. 1 seed and defending national champions, the Florida Gators. Florida, led by coach Billy Donovan and a roster filled with future NBA talent, was a powerhouse team aiming for back-to-back championships. Despite their determination and effort, the Tigers were overpowered by the Gators, who showcased their dominance with a 112-69 victory. Florida would later go on to win back to back National Championships.

Today the Tigers are still one of the better teams in the SWAC, year in a year out. They made it to the Championship game in 2025, ultimately losing to Alabama State. The Tigers have a nice young team, led by second year coach and former NBA All-Star Moe Williams.