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Photo of Inman Jackson

Inman Jackson

Inman “Big Jack” Jackson entertained legions of basketball fans for nearly two decades playing first for the Savoy Big Five and later for the famed Harlem Globetrotters. Jackson started at center for Abe Saperstein’s band of basketball wanderers, the centerpiece of the Trotters single-post offense and three-man weave. Jackson was a late bloomer, but by the time he signed with the Trotters, he was strong, fundamentally-sound, and intimidating. Shy and introverted, Jackson adjusted to the rigorous schedule of eight games a week, and then much to his own surprise instituted the role of basketball’s first clown prince. On any given night, he would roll the ball through an unsuspecting defender’s legs, dropkick a shot from the free throw line, or lift a teammate onto his shoulders for the final basketball before the horn sounded. In March of 1940 the Harlem Globetrotters played in the second annual World Professional Tournament of Basketball. Jackson was in the twilight of his career, but still managed to contribute to the Trotters taking of the crown.

Enshrined

2022

Born

March 07, 1907 Chicago, IL

Died

April 06, 1973

Professional Career

Chicago Savoy Big Five Harlem Globetrotters

Career Stats

15 Season with the Harlem Globetrotters
1940 World Professional Basketball Tournament Champion
1st Clown Prince of Basketball