Eric Jackson, a veteran coach with ties to the Pacific Northwest and roots traced to some of college basketball’s legendary coaches, has joined the Montana State men’s basketball coaching staff.

Third-year Bobcat coach Brian Fish said Jackson’s addition strengthens the Bobcats on several fronts. “Eric is a strong recruiter who is instantly credible with players because his background as a player and as a coach. I’ve known him for several years and have always admired his energy and loyalty.”

Jackson comes to MSU after 10 seasons at the University of Portland (2006-16), where he worked under Eric Reveno. The Milwaukee native’s coaching career began at St. Norbert College (1996-00), and in 2000 he took the video coordinator position at Utah under Rick Majerus. Two years later he was elevated to full-time assistant coach with the Utes. In 2004-05 he worked as an administrative assistant and strength and conditioning coordinator at Indiana under Mike Davis, and one season later held a similar role at Wyoming under Steve McClain.

“I know a lot of the coaches Eric has worked with,” Fish said. “He has come up in the business with some excellent teachers and mentors, people who I really respect.”

Jackson is excited to join the MSU program. “Three things really attracted me to this position,” he said. “First is the opportunity to learn under Coach Fish. Second is the opportunity this program has to win the Big Sky Conference. And third, I’m looking forward to being part of a great community, Bozeman, which really supports the Bobcats.”

A 1996 Wisconsin-Green Bay graduate, Jackson was a standout on some of Dick Bennett’s best Phoenix teams. He was a team captain as a senior, led the squad in assists twice, and was a two-time all-league defensive selection. Jackson was part of the 1994 team that upended a nationally-ranked Cal team that featured Jason Kidd and Lamond Murray in Ogden, Utah.