Angel Jackson: First HBCU Player in Athletes Unlimited Pro League

In a groundbreaking move for representation, Angel Jackson, a former star at Jackson State University, has signed with Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball. This accomplishment makes her the first player from a historically Black college or university to compete in the league’s four-season history. With AU’s fourth season underway from Feb. 5 to March 2, 2025, fans can expect to witness Jackson’s skills at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium.

Playing as a center, Jackson built a formidable resume during her collegiate career, first at the University of Southern California and later at Jackson State. She was recognized as back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year during her time with the Tigers. There, she averaged an impressive 10 points, 6.8 rebounds, and a conference-leading 2.9 blocks per game in her senior season.

Drafted 36th overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Jackson became only the second player in two decades to be drafted from an HBCU. Unfortunately, her stint with the Aces ended before she could compete in a regular-season game, prompting her to play overseas in Italy with the Faenza Basket Project Lions.

On The Rebound

“I’ve been keeping up with AU for the past couple of years. I’ve seen the best of the best compete, so it’s a great experience just to know that I’m going to be a part of it this year,” Jackson said in an Andscape interview.

Athletes Unlimited offers a unique format where players earn points for team victories and individual performances. This innovative system encourages a competitive edge, with players vying for leadership roles as team captains each week. Jackson plays for Team Bell alongside notable names like two-time WNBA champion Kierstan Bell and Odyssey Sims.

Former Jackson State head coach Tomekia Reed expressed confidence in Jackson’s capabilities. “What makes Angel so special is she’s big. She can run the floor, she can play with her back to the basket,” Reed told Andscape. “But the special part is she can shoot the outside shot. She’s got a game away from the rim, and that’s not something you see every day in her height and her position.”

Jackson aims to leverage her time in AU to highlight the potential within HBCUs and inspire future athletes. “I want more HBCU players to be drafted because we really have some real dogs in HBCU conferences,” she stated.

AU will host an HBCU Night on Feb. 20 to celebrate Black History Month and Jackson’s historic signing.