| 07 December 2011
Donetsk is a large city sitting on the Kalmius river in eastern Ukraine and is known more for its coal mining than being a final destination for NBA free agents.
But back in late October, that’s exactly what it became when Darnell Jackson signed with BC Donetsk in the Ukrainian SuperLeague during the NBA lockout.
Now with training camps opening Friday -- the same day teams can begin player transactions – the 6-foot-9 forward who finished last season with the Sacramento Kings is waiting patiently on offers and chance to return to the league.
“Since I'm a free agent, my out is contingent upon me getting an offer from an NBA team,” Jackson told Beyond the Beat.
“There is interest.”
The 52nd overall pick out of Kansas in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat, Jackson was dealt on draft day to the Cleveland Cavaliers where he split time between Cleveland and the D-League with the Erie Bayhawks. In 2009, Jackson was waived by the Cavs and claimed by the Milwaukee Bucks before being traded again, this time to the Kings.
In 59 games played, Jackson averaged 3.2 points and 1.6 rebounds in roughly 8 minutes per game last season in Sacramento.
When the lockout hit, Jackson - who is represented by Andy Bountogianis – began exploring options to play overseas during the work stoppage and was reportedly offered to Caja Laboral in Spain, before reaching an agreement on October 29th, with BC Donetsk. There, he joined Michael Lee and Ramel Curry as the American-import players on the team. While Jackson is averaging 10 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in 6 games played in the Ukrainian League (7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 4 EuroCup games), being 5700 miles away from home for the Oklahoma City native hasn’t exactly been the easiest move he’s made.
“It’s been a tough transition. From the time change, to the play style, and the language barrier -- it’s been challenging,” Jackson explained.
Still, as difficult as playing overseas has been, Jackson knows he made the right decision in the end.
“Being a free agent, I got paid to stay in shape and get prepared for the season.”
But when will that time come? Time will tell, but when the call and time comes expect Jackson to be ready to punch the clock back in the NBA. Before departing for the Ukraine, Jackson worked diligently on his on and off court conditioning with Gus Armstead, a trainer with PrimeTime Boxing Club in Sacramento, CA. The fact that Jackson’s used a little over a months worth of in-game conditioning and exposure in the Ukraine to better himself lends even more credence that the NBA lockout actually proved beneficial to some players, even those with three-years experience in the league like Jackson.
“Basketball never stops, like Nike says. Guys were playing and practicing in conditions I haven't seen since high school, for the love of the game. I've learned that you can't ever lose hunger or passion. I have a lot of respect for what these guys go through to do what they love,” said Jackson.
For the first time in his career, Jackson is a free agent and can choose where his basketball future takes place. Right now that means playing in the Ukraine.
Tomorrow it could mean a jump back to the NBA.
“I feel this experience will allow me to return with an even greater passion and preparation to prove myself.”
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