Tenn. school gives former Buccaneer full scholarship

Former Gulf guard Anthony Jackson will play at Vol State, a community college.

By IZZY GOULD
Published August 15, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - Former Gulf guard Anthony Jackson has accepted a full scholarship to play at Vol State, a community college in Tennessee.

Jackson led Pasco County in scoring before his season ended prematurely after a January arrest. The charges were dismissed, but not in time for Jackson to complete his senior season.

Jackson also was a late qualifier, which hampered the recruiting process. Gulf coach Steve Feldman tapped his sources in the coaching community to make schools aware that Jackson was available. Word reached Vol State coach Rusty Melvin, who received a glowing reference for Jackson from former Nature Coast coach Travis Priddy.

Feldman was having lunch with Jackson one afternoon, and during the lunch, Melvin told Feldman over the phone that he was ready to offer Jackson a full scholarship. Feldman put down his phone, shook Jackson's hand and congratulated him.

"He had a full offer," Feldman said. "I asked, 'How do you feel?' He said, 'Much more relaxed now.' "

Jackson averaged 25.4 points a game as a senior and is expected to be used as a combo guard at Vol State. The Pioneers went 20-8 last season and have sent players to UNC-Charlotte and Evansville, Feldman said.

"It's a two-year school but presented all the things we were looking for," Feldman said. "It's a place to give him an opportunity to play right away and a good pipeline to bigger schools."

Izzy Gould can be reached at 727 580-5315 or izzygould@gmail.com.

[Last modified August 14, 2007, 23:20:03]