Three-time NBL champion Cedric Jackson signs with Illawarra Hawks

[Ulquiorra]

THREE-time NBL champion and one-time MVP, Cedric Jackson, has signed with the Illawarra Hawks, the team announced on Thursday evening.

The signing brings back one of the NBL’s most successful imports, with Jackson enjoying a prominent career with the New Zealand Breakers, winning titles in 2012, 2013, and 2015.

Jackson, who won the league’s MVP award in 2013 — winning the Grand Final MVP award in the same year, as well as 2015 — is the Hawks’ ninth official rostered player. The team still has two more roster spots to fill, having retained AJ Ogilvy, Tim Coenraad, and Kevin White, while bringing in David Andersen, Jordair Jett, Emmett Naar, Todd Blanchfield, and Daniel Grida.

The 6’3 point guard is the Hawks’ second official import signing, after Jett. Sources told foxsports.com.au in May that Brian Conklin has also signed with Rob Beveridge’s team.

“Cedric is considered in some circles to be one of the best point guards to have ever played in the NBL,” Hawks general manager, Mat Campbell, said.

“Jackson’s career statistics speak for themselves, the most exciting aspect for the Hawks is the winning attitude and leadership that he brings to the Club.”

After his success in New Zealand, Jackson signed a two-year deal with Melbourne United in 2016. After starting the season 3-6, United made the decision to release Jackson; the guarding averaging 10 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.

Jackson’s best season in the NBL was with the Breakers, over his 2012-13 campaign, where he averaged 14.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.8 assists a game, while shooting a career-best 31.3 percent from downtown.

The 32-year-old has spent some time in the NBA, over his career, playing just 12 games over a season; playing for three different teams: the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, and Washington Wizards.

“Everywhere Cedric goes he wins,” Hawks head coach, Rob Beveridge, said.

“His competitive nature and his ability to make people around him better is going to be fantastic for our club. The fans are going to love watching the combination of arguably two of the best passing point guards in Cedric and Emmett Naar and his teammates will love playing with such a winner.”

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Jackson, an American, has recorded the last five triple-doubles by any player in the NBL.

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