Led by transfer Dishon Jackson — again — Charlotte 49ers basketball fends off UTSA
Much has been made about the fun returning to Halton Arena. Dishon Jackson is among those having fun on the court for the first time in a long time, and he’s become the key for the Charlotte 49ers with March just weeks away.
In his first year nearly 3,000 miles from home, Jackson is playing the best basketball of his career in the biggest role he’s seen to date. A Washington State transfer, the Oakland, California native has found his stride in head coach Aaron Fearne’s system, posting career highs across the board and serving as Charlotte’s defensive anchor and rim protector.
Following his third-consecutive game with 15-plus points, the 6-foot-11 center spoke about enjoying himself on the court again, and how that’s keeping Charlotte in the mix for the American Athletic Conference championship in the program’s first season in the league.
“It’s the most fun I’ve had in a while, yeah. I’m not going to lie,” said Jackson. “Just to be able to go out there and play and get the ball and be a part of the offense, and not just sit on the block all day. It’s really fun playing with my teammates. Lu’Cye (Patterson) puts me in great positions and having Igor (Milicic) on the perimeter if I’m getting doubled, I can throw it to him and he’s going to make the shot. It’s really fun out there.”
Jackson had a team-best 19 points and four rebounds in Thursday night’s 79-70 victory over Texas San Antonio, drawing a game-high nine fouls with his presence in the paint, pushing the Charlotte 49ers’ win streak in Halton Arena to nine games.
“I think that’s just how I play basketball,” Jackson said of his physicality. “Where I’m from, that’s how we kind of get after each other. I think that’s just how I was raised to play, just going at guys no matter who you are, what your name is. I’m just going to go at you, and if you can stop me, great. But it’s probably not going to happen.”
Fearne, the newly promoted head man, spoke about Jackson’s growth in the short span since he arrived on campus.
“There’s no doubt he’s super talented. His growth has been inspiring. I’m really proud of him. I know how difficult it’s been over the last 24 months and he’s having fun. That’s what it’s about,” Fearne said of Jackson. “He’s back out there enjoying what he loves to do and probably understanding that if you work really hard, some really good things can happen.”
“As a big guy to come to this program, and play the position in the offense we run, is very different to a typical big. And it wasn’t something that he was good at at the start of the year. As a big, it’s a great program to play in because you get to touch the ball a lot. You have a lot of responsibility in that position. You have to pick and roll, pick and pop, catch of the elbow and make a lot of passing decisions.”
LEARNING THE SYSTEM
Getting comfortable in Charlotte’s offense has been known to take up to two, sometimes three seasons. Especially in Fearne’s scheme and Jackson’s position, where he serves as a hub for the offense both at the elbow and even on the perimeter.
And coming from a Washington State program where Jackson was utilized for his lob-catching abilities, size and defensive prowess, this is new to the redshirt sophomore. But it’s something for which he’s been hungry, and his success both attacking the basket and facilitating when called upon is a staple of Charlotte’s game.
“I feel like I’ve always been ready for that,” Jackson said. “I prepared myself well by being in situations where I didn’t have the ball a lot, so I know what it’s like on both sides of the spectrum when it comes to that. Fearne has taught me a lot, while being in his offense, on how to make the right reads.”
After losing Aly Khalifa to the transfer portal in the off-season, Charlotte had big shoes to replace stretching the floor and operating as a secondary-ball handler in the offense. And after a slow start — by Jackson’s standards — he’s found comfort in the offense. Since conference play began in January, Jackson is averaging 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.33 blocks per game — all with a nearly 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. And he’s doing it at a 54.3% clip from the field.
Patterson played with Khalifa and now Jackson, and compared and contrasted their games in a recent appearance on the Highway 49 Podcast.
“They both bring something different. Aly is more of a get your guys involved — Jokic kind of player. Aly’s IQ is super high. I’m happy for what he’s doing at BYU. He can stretch the floor and do a lot. They aren’t the same type of player,” Patterson said. “Dishon is more of a dominant presence. He’s more intimidating. He does a lot on both ends for us. Protects the rim, rebounds and scores at a high clip. When we picked up Dishon, we really needed him to come in this year — especially with the new conference with more physical bigs. We really got a steal with him. If not the best big in the AAC, I think I would take him over any big in the country this year.”
But Jackson nearly wasn’t a 49er.
COAST TO COAST
After missing the entire 2022-23 season with injury, Jackson hit the transfer portal looking for a new home. After spending multiple seasons at Washington State early in his coaching career, former Charlotte head coach Ron Sanchez poached the rim-protecting big from the Cougars and found the 49ers’ replacement for Khalifa’s production.
Or so Jackson thought.
Less than two months after Jackson’s commitment, Sanchez stepped down, reuniting with Virginia head coach Tony Bennett in his old role as assistant coach with the Cavaliers. Sanchez’s departure caught the entire Charlotte men’s basketball program off guard, especially Jackson — who had just verbally committed to reroute his entire life and move across the country.
When athletic director Mike Hill named Aaron Fearne the interim head coach, it gave Jackson the security he needed to relocate to the Queen City.
“After the whole situation with Sanchez, just talking to Fearne about what he wanted me to do and be in the program,” said Jackson. “Sanchez said he had a plan for me of how he wanted to introduce me back into the game of basketball, and then (Fearne) kind of followed suit with a similar plan — but they pushed me a little harder. That led me to stay a 49er.”
Nearly eight months later, Jackson and the 49ers are having a season that no one saw coming before tip-off back in November.
“I came here just looking for a chance. I felt like where I was at, I really didn’t have a chance to show what I can do,” said Jackson. “Now coach Fearne is giving me that opportunity, and we’re all reaping the benefits of that decision.”
Just one game back from first place in the AAC and preparing for a nationally televised date with Wichita State at Halton on Sunday (Noon on ESPN2), Jackson knows that Charlotte can’t let off the gas now.
“It’s just being locked in. Keeping the same routine of course, getting to the facility earlier and getting treatment,” Jackson said. “I’m starting to focus on (Wichita State) right now. This game is over, and that starts now. I’m just worried about what’s next.”