Florida State University Athletics
Chandler Jackson: Family Roots Lead To Leadership Role
11/11/2024 8:16:00 PM | Men's Basketball
TALLAHASSEE — In his third year with the Seminoles, Chandler Jackson has made significant strides both offensively and defensively. In the season opener against Northern Kentucky, Jackson earned a career-high with four steals and one assist, helping Florida State secure a 74-62 victory. He was a starter for the second consecutive game as he had three rebounds as the Seminoles clinched an all-important neutral site victory on Saturday against Rice.
But it's not his improved play on the court that has Florida State's coaching staff so pleased with Jackson's elevated game. It's Jackson's growth as a person that has given the coaching staff the confidence to put him in the Seminoles' starting lineup and helped him to accept a leadership role among his teammates.
Jackson is expected to be in Florida State's starting lineup as the Seminoles play host to Tarleton State on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. The game is Military Appreciation Day – fans can share photos of veterans or those currently serving in the military using #FSUSalutes to be featured on the video board throughout the game. The game is also an FSU Kids Club Game; Kids Club members receive free admission. The Kids Zone will be set up in the south concourse area (near section 106) for all kids in attendance to enjoy. Additionally, general admission tickets start at only $5.
Jackson's growth on the court can be directly traced to his dedication to the Seminoles' preseason training program. He stepped up his training, worked on his skill development, and strengthened his mindset to become a team leader.
Jackson's relationship with the coaching staff has been a key part of his development.
"I've purposefully tried to become more of a vocal person in everything that we've done as a team," said the junior who is majoring in social science. "I want to be a coach on the court. I want the coaches to trust me in late-game situations. I want to know everything about my position, and I want to know everything about every position so I can help all of my teammates when they have questions."
The Seminole coaching staff has certainly noticed Jackson's improvement and knows that an even bigger jump is coming this season.
"In our time as coaches at FSU, many of our players found their jump into consistent success at the college level during their third season as Seminoles," said associate head coach Stan Jones. "We are confident and have high expectations that this is Chandler's moment to elevate himself in his career. His work ethic has increased several levels, and his basketball understanding is fully locked into our system. There will be many little nuances of the game this year that the casual fan may not recognize but it will be impactful on this Seminole basketball team."
He's also worked closely with the team's veterans to help the Seminoles' 10 newcomers assimilate themselves into the Seminoles' culture of family, which has helped Florida State to a pair of ACC Championships and numerous NCAA Tournament appearances under head coach Leonard Hamilton and his staff.
"The best advice I give to younger players is to ask us questions," said Jackson. "Ask me, Jamir, Taylor, Jesse, and Jason. We've been on the team, and we're here to help."
Jackson's strong sense of family played a major role in his decision to become a member of the Florida State family.
"Basketball is in my genes," said Jackson. "I started playing when I was one or two years old. My mom, dad, and even my grandparents played the game."
His parents' influence and guidance have played a huge role in shaping his love for the game and his journey to where he is today.
Jackson's father, David, played basketball in college at Western Illinois and overseas. He is still ranked 12th in Western Illinois history in career scoring and led the Leathernecks in scoring in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
"My parents try to come to as many games as they can," said Jackson. "Having their support means everything to me. My mom, Norrisha, is the strongest woman in my life, and she is very important to me. I have a very close relationship with my brother, Oliver, and my sister, Carsyn. I love them more than I can describe."
A family away from his home in Memphis, Tenn., is why Jackson chose from many suitors around the county to become a Seminole as a highly recruited prep star.
"I chose Florida State because it felt like a family," said Jackson. "I wanted a home away from home. I knew I made the right choice while I was being recruited.
His full name is Chandler Matthew Joseph Jackson. His mom and grandmother named him after the character Chandler from hit television show Friends. His middle names are from the Bible, as his grandfather is a pastor, and every member of his family has biblical names.
Jackson's growth over the past two seasons has been remarkable, evolving from a promising newcomer to a key veteran leader.
But it's not his improved play on the court that has Florida State's coaching staff so pleased with Jackson's elevated game. It's Jackson's growth as a person that has given the coaching staff the confidence to put him in the Seminoles' starting lineup and helped him to accept a leadership role among his teammates.
Jackson is expected to be in Florida State's starting lineup as the Seminoles play host to Tarleton State on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. The game is Military Appreciation Day – fans can share photos of veterans or those currently serving in the military using #FSUSalutes to be featured on the video board throughout the game. The game is also an FSU Kids Club Game; Kids Club members receive free admission. The Kids Zone will be set up in the south concourse area (near section 106) for all kids in attendance to enjoy. Additionally, general admission tickets start at only $5.
Jackson's growth on the court can be directly traced to his dedication to the Seminoles' preseason training program. He stepped up his training, worked on his skill development, and strengthened his mindset to become a team leader.
Jackson's relationship with the coaching staff has been a key part of his development.
"I've purposefully tried to become more of a vocal person in everything that we've done as a team," said the junior who is majoring in social science. "I want to be a coach on the court. I want the coaches to trust me in late-game situations. I want to know everything about my position, and I want to know everything about every position so I can help all of my teammates when they have questions."
The Seminole coaching staff has certainly noticed Jackson's improvement and knows that an even bigger jump is coming this season.
"In our time as coaches at FSU, many of our players found their jump into consistent success at the college level during their third season as Seminoles," said associate head coach Stan Jones. "We are confident and have high expectations that this is Chandler's moment to elevate himself in his career. His work ethic has increased several levels, and his basketball understanding is fully locked into our system. There will be many little nuances of the game this year that the casual fan may not recognize but it will be impactful on this Seminole basketball team."
He's also worked closely with the team's veterans to help the Seminoles' 10 newcomers assimilate themselves into the Seminoles' culture of family, which has helped Florida State to a pair of ACC Championships and numerous NCAA Tournament appearances under head coach Leonard Hamilton and his staff.
"The best advice I give to younger players is to ask us questions," said Jackson. "Ask me, Jamir, Taylor, Jesse, and Jason. We've been on the team, and we're here to help."
Jackson's strong sense of family played a major role in his decision to become a member of the Florida State family.
"Basketball is in my genes," said Jackson. "I started playing when I was one or two years old. My mom, dad, and even my grandparents played the game."
His parents' influence and guidance have played a huge role in shaping his love for the game and his journey to where he is today.
Jackson's father, David, played basketball in college at Western Illinois and overseas. He is still ranked 12th in Western Illinois history in career scoring and led the Leathernecks in scoring in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
"My parents try to come to as many games as they can," said Jackson. "Having their support means everything to me. My mom, Norrisha, is the strongest woman in my life, and she is very important to me. I have a very close relationship with my brother, Oliver, and my sister, Carsyn. I love them more than I can describe."
A family away from his home in Memphis, Tenn., is why Jackson chose from many suitors around the county to become a Seminole as a highly recruited prep star.
"I chose Florida State because it felt like a family," said Jackson. "I wanted a home away from home. I knew I made the right choice while I was being recruited.
His full name is Chandler Matthew Joseph Jackson. His mom and grandmother named him after the character Chandler from hit television show Friends. His middle names are from the Bible, as his grandfather is a pastor, and every member of his family has biblical names.
Jackson's growth over the past two seasons has been remarkable, evolving from a promising newcomer to a key veteran leader.
Players Mentioned
Guard
/ Men's BasketballFSU Football | HC Mike Norvell Post-Scrimmage Media Availability
Saturday, April 04
FSU Football | TE Desirrio Riles Post-Practice Media Availability
Thursday, April 02
FSU Football | Punter Daniel Hughes Post-Practice Media Availability
Thursday, April 02
FSU Football | STC Adam Scheier Post-Practice Media Availability
Thursday, April 02