Former Jackson State Basketball Player Angel Jackson Becomes First HBCU Student To Sign With Athletes Unlimited
Women’s basketball player, Angel Jackson, who used to play for the Jackson State University Tigers made history after becoming the first HBCU player to sign with Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball.
According to Andscape, Jackson, who was originally drafted with the 36th pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces did not make the roster and did not play in the WNBA. Now her history-making move ensures she will be playing in a women’s pro league this season. When she was selected by the Aces she was the second player from an HBCU to be drafted into the league.
“🔥 Share some love for Angel in the comments! 🫶🏾 In a groundbreaking move for representation, Angel Jackson, a former star at Jackson State University, has signed with Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball. This accomplishment makes her the first player from a historically Black college or university to compete in the league’s four-season history. 🏀🙌🏾 #hbcu #hbcubuzz #hbcunews”
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Athletes Unlimited is a five-on-five basketball league that is currently in its fourth season. The league plays for four weeks for a total of 24 games as this season started on Feb. 5. The games are being played in Nashville, Tenn. In honor of Black History Month AU is hosting an HBCU Night on Feb. 20.
“I’ve been keeping up with AU for the past couple of years. I’ve been seeing the best of the best compete at AU, so it’s been a great experience just to know that I‘m going to be a part of it this year,” Jackson said. “I’m really ready to get after it and really just [show] my talents a little bit more.”
Athletes Unlimited plays in an unorthodox way. Players earn points while playing the games based on team wins and individual performances. The players with the most points at the end of each week will serve as team captains for the next week and pick their teams.
After being cut from the Aces, Jackson spent time overseas playing in Italy before signing with AU.
