The New Zealand Breakers are banking on the namesake of their star guard Cedric Jackson to help them successfully defend the NBL title.
The four-time champions have signed athletic forward Charles Jackson to their roster for the 2015-16 season, following the 22-year-old's stint in the NBA Summer League with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Jackson fills a second import slot following the departure of another American forward, Ekene Ibekwe.
Breakers coach Dean Vickerman was courtside for one of Jackson's Summer League games in Las Vegas and liked the athleticism and effort he saw.
"Charles is a great athlete, he was a real presence at both ends of the floor.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"What impressed me the most were the hustle plays, diving for loose balls, competing for rebounds and making the extra efforts for his teammates. It was like he was already playing Breakers basketball."
Jackson played at three different US universities before, including the most recent season with Tennessee Tech in NCAA division one. He averaged 12.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, along with 1.1 steals and 1.3 blocks.
Jackson will arrive in Auckland before the Breakers' pre-season training on September 1.
He will link with brilliant guard Cedric Jackson, whose game-breaking ability has guided the Breakers to titles in all three of his seasons involved.
