Luke Jackson, a member Pan American College’s 1963 NAIA National Championship team, died Wednesday at the age of 80.
Jackson is survived his wife of 57 years, Marva, their three children, Nicole, Andrea, and Lucious III, and their six grandchildren.
The 6-foot-9 forward out of San Marcos spent three season’s at UTRGV’s legacy institution, leading the Broncs to three NAIA National Tournament appearances, including back-to-back championship game berths in 1963-1964.
As a junior, Jackson averaged 26.4 points and 18.6 rebounds per game during the Broncs’ tournament run, earning him MVP of the NAIA Tournament. His 25-point, 25-rebound performance against Western Carolina in the championship game helped secure a 73-62 victory and the national title.
The two-time All-American ranks first in program history in career field goal percentage (.544), free throws made (460) and free throws attempted (630). He also ranks second in points score (1,858), rebounds (1,427) and field goals made (699).
Following his graduation Pan American, Jackson helped Team USA capture the gold medal at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.
In 1964, Jackson was selected fourth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, playing in 522 games across eight seasons in the NBA with career averages of 9.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per contest. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie team and NBA All-Star team during the 1964-1965 season, averaging a career-high 14.8 points and 12.9 rebounds per game.
Jackson added an NBA championship ring to his resume during the 1966-1967 season, starting alongside Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain on the 76ers.
Jackson was a part of the inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame class in 2007 and the inaugural Small College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. His No. 54 jersey, which hands in the rafters of the UTRGV Fieldhouse, was the first of just four in school history to ever be retired.
UTRGV Athletics will honor Jackson as part of a night celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 1963 National Championship team on Feb. 9 when UTRGV men’s basketball hosts UT Arlington at 6:3
