Born in New Orleans, Built in Scranton: The Rise of Coach Troy Jackson

By: Marc Emile | Sportzwire | July 22, 2025 | Photo courtesy Team Photo

Coach Troy Jackson’s journey to Scranton began in New Orleans, where he first made his name not on the basketball court, but on the baseball diamond and soccer field. However, after relocating up north, he found opportunities in those sports limited for people of color. That’s when basketball found him and changed his life.

He went on to play college ball at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, earning Freshman of the Year honors, before transferring to Alcorn State University. “Alcorn helped shape me, not just as an athlete, but as a man,” Jackson says. That foundation led to a 13-year professional career where he played in places such as Japan, Dubai, Australia, the Dominican Republic, Canada, and beyond.

In 2019, he found his true calling in coaching and he hasn’t looked back. As he is now head coach of both the men’s and women’s basketball programs at Penn State Scranton. He believes it’s about more than wins and losses. It’s about culture, community, and creating opportunities for those often overlooked.

As Penn State restructures its campuses, including the closing of several Commonwealth locations, the effects are being felt deeply across the PSUAC (Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference). Coach Jackson calls it “a huge blow,” emphasizing how hard the closures are on student-athletes who had built relationships with professors and found comfort in their campus environments. “It puts the kids in a tough spot,” he says, while also recognizing the impact on faculty and staff who now must adjust to uncertain futures.

Despite all this, Coach Jackson sees opportunity in change. He believes the conference will soon push toward competing at the NCAA Division III level and he’s already preparing Penn State Scranton to rise with it. “To compete with bigger D3 schools, we’ll have to move up. But I think we’re ready.”

Though born in New Orleans, Coach Jackson considers Scranton home. His deep ties to the community run well beyond basketball. He opens the gym to local youth free of charge, offers training to the next generation, and brings energy and leadership wherever he goes. “This is bigger than basketball,” he says. “I want the community to succeed.”

He’s particularly proud of the program’s upcoming recruiting class, which features players from across the country including Chicago, New Orleans, and New York, and many other locations. This is a testament to the program's growing reputation under his leadership.

“My first year, I owe everything to the guys I had,” he reflects. “They were overlooked and I gave them a shot. That success wasn’t about me, it was about them.”

Now in a new chapter, Coach Jackson is stepping up again, this time as head coach of the women’s team. His mission is clear: “Change the culture. Build something special.”

Coach Jackson’s philosophy goes beyond the playbook. “I try to pour into everyone’s cup that I meet because every single person deserves to feel that love and care.” His message to players and community members alike is both inspirational and grounded in lived experience:

“Your story is your story and your fight is your fight, but it’s never over unless you quit. Everyone has a story, but who are you when it’s all said and done? You have to be stronger than your sad story. You have to be willing to ask for help.”

Coach Jackson’s vision is bold: move Penn State Scranton to NCAA D2 or D3, build competitive men's and women’s programs, and win championships — not just once, but consistently. But more than anything, he’s here to stay. “I’m dedicated to this program. I’m not going anywhere. I want to give back and make this community fall in love with basketball.” For Coach Jackson, this isn’t just a coaching job, it’s a calling.

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