While one La Crosse native was putting up career-high numbers in his first-ever start in the NBA over the weekend, another was declaring for the draft.
Logan High School graduate and UW-Parkside forward Jacksun Hamilton declared for the NBA draft. He also posted on social media he was entering the transfer portal to keep his options open.
Now, this all happened on April 1, but there is no indication that it was a joke.
The 6-foot-7 Hamilton averaged 12.4 minutes and 1.4 points over 19 games — two starts — for UW-Parkside. He shot 32 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc.
The redshirt sophomore did have a stretch around New Year’s where he was over 20-minutes per game. During that four-game run, Hamilton was 5-for-12 from the field, scoring 14 points to go with 15 rebounds.
The news comes a few days before Central graduate and Washington Wizards guard Johnny Davis had a career day, Sunday, against the New York Knicks.
It also comes as multiple La Crosse area athletes have declared for the transfer portal, including Johnny Davis’ brother Jordan Davis at Wisconsin, Aquinas graduate Lexi Donarski at Iowa State and Caledonia’s Eli King, also at Iowa State.
Hamilton posted on social medial:
“Since I started playing basketball as a kid, I have dreamed of playing in the NBA on the biggest stage. To this day my dream remains the same. After all that I have been through throughout my career, nothing will stop me from pursuing my goals to achieve my dream.
“After much consideration and reflection, I would like to announce that I will be continuing my dream by entering the 2023 NBA Draft process without an agent while maintaining my collegiate eligibility.
“With that said, I have already entered the Transfer Portal keeping my options open. I am looking forward to getting a professional evaluation to make the best decision about my basketball future.
“I would like to thank my family, relatives, friends, teammates, coaches, trainers, managers, fans, and Ranger programs over the years.
“My collegiate career numbers may appear “stat less”, because of my playing role, but with the opportunity to compete against the best, I will prove with my 2-way play that I have what it takes to embrace the atlas role of a franchise.
“I know the pathway God set before me, will lead to a sunrise that will elevate my career, because God bet on me.
Jacksun Hamilton”
TOP PHOTO: UW-Parkside forward Jacksun Hamilton goes up for a layup. (PHOTO: ParksideRangers.com)