Jackson State Eyes National Spotlight with Offer to Top Basketball Prospect Erick Dampier Jr.
Jackson, Mississippi – Jackson State University, under the leadership of head coach and NBA veteran Mo Williams, is making waves in the college basketball recruiting landscape by extending a scholarship offer to Erick Dampier Jr., one of the nation’s most highly ranked young players. Dampier Jr., a 6-foot-10 center from Madison-Ridgeland Academy, is currently ranked No. 3 nationally in ESPN’s 2028 recruiting class and carries the rare distinction of being the son of former NBA player Erick Dampier Sr. This strategic move by Jackson State signals a bold ambition for HBCU basketball programs to attract elite-level talent and deepen their competitive profile.
Dampier Jr.’s on-court production already justifies the attention. As a rising sophomore, he averaged 13.5 points, nearly 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, showcasing his dominance in the paint with a combination of size, athleticism, and defensive prowess. Beyond raw statistics, his physical tools—rim protection, second-jump quickness, relentless energy—mark him as a player with the potential to be a major force at the collegiate level and possibly beyond. His resume includes a gold medal with USA Basketball’s U16 National Team at the FIBA World Cup, adding international competition experience to his growing portfolio.
For Jackson State and coach Mo Williams, the offer to Dampier Jr. represents more than just adding a promising player; it embodies a vision to elevate HBCU basketball’s stature. Williams, a Jackson native with 14 years in the NBA, has brought a professional pedigree and heightened recruiting credibility to the program since his arrival in 2022. His coaching tenure already includes guiding players to conference honors and securing landmark wins over Power 5 opponents, signaling that Jackson State can compete with high-level programs. The move to aggressively court Dampier Jr. also highlights a commitment to keeping top local talent in Mississippi connected to their roots and the rich heritage of HBCUs.
This offer is particularly significant given Dampier Jr.’s existing interest from major programs like Purdue and San Diego, revealing that Jackson State is positioning itself alongside traditional Division I basketball powerhouses in the recruitment of elite prospects. It reflects a broader trend in college athletics where HBCUs are increasingly recognized as legitimate destinations for top-tier athletes, propelled by enhanced coaching, improved facilities, and growing media visibility.
Mo Williams shared his perspective on this exciting development: “We’re building something special here at Jackson State. Having Erick Dampier Jr. on our radar is a testament to the vision and hard work of everyone involved. We want to prove that HBCU basketball can attract and develop the best talent, especially homegrown players who understand what representing an HBCU means.”
The Jackson State Tigers roster already features promising talents such as Mike Williams, Mo’s own son, a highly ranked guard in the 2025 class. This growing core, led by a coach with NBA experience, sets the stage for a competitive future in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and beyond. The Tigers’ recent seasons have seen them defeat formidable opponents and showcase resilience, signaling that the program is on an upward trajectory.
Looking ahead, Jackson State’s basketball schedule will test the team’s mettle as it seeks to climb the ranks in the SWAC and make noise in the NCAA tournament landscape. Recruiting prospects like Dampier Jr. could be game changers, providing inside presence and leadership that can translate into significant wins and increased national relevance.
This recruiting milestone underscores a pivotal moment for HBCU sports—a rising tide of investment, visibility, and ambition that honors the historic legacy of Black college athletics while carving out a new narrative of competitiveness and opportunity. For Jackson State, the opportunity to sign a player of Dampier Jr.’s caliber would be a landmark achievement, signaling to future recruits that HBCUs are serious contenders on the national basketball stage.
As the recruiting journey unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Erick Dampier Jr. chooses to follow in his father’s footsteps by embracing the challenge at Jackson State, joining a program poised for growth under Mo Williams’ skilled guidance. This story transcends basketball; it is about legacy, community, and the evolving identity of HBCU sports in the modern era.