A swingman for the Windsor Express has landed a league award as the playoffs continue.
Express guard Ja'Myrin Jackson was named Wednesday as the NBL Canada Sixth Man of the Year, presented to an outstanding player who is not typically a starter but tends to produce the most off the bench. Jackson is the first Express player to win this award.
"Time after time this season, Ja’Myrin showed up in a big way for Windsor," said NBLC Commissioner Audley Stephenson in a media release. "He is a huge spark coming off the bench. He’s a player who never shied away from taking the big shot or finding his moment to make a difference in the game. Any coach, any team would be lucky to have a Ja’Myrin coming off the bench for them."
Those sentiments were echoed by Jackson's coach on the Express, Bill Jones.
"It has been fun to watch Ja’Myrin turn a training camp opportunity into becoming the best sixth man in the league," said Jones. "Every time this young man enters the gym, he enters with a lot of energy. During the game, he watches carefully, sees what the team needs in a given moment, then when he gets his opportunity, comes in to support the team with a big shot and even bigger energy. All the credit goes to this hard-working kid for this award."
A native of Lansing, Michigan, Jackson averaged 15.9 points per game off the bench for Windsor, along with four rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest. His 80 three-point shots led the league.
Jackson and the Windsor Express were to host the Sudbury Five Wednesday night in Game 3 of the NBLC Semifinals. Game 4 is set for Friday night at the WFCU Centre.