2009 Hall of Fame Inductee

Derrick Jackson
Wheaton Central
1970-1974
Baseball and Basketball

Derrick Jackson graduated from Wheaton Central High School in 1974 as one of the best all-around athletes in the school’s history. Derrick’s impact and influence can be witnessed as a basketball and baseball player in the early 1970s. A three-year varsity letter winner in both sports, he was named all Dupage Valley Conference basketball and baseball teams his junior and senior year. He was also named to the All-State team in both sports his senior year. As a high school senior, Derrick received much attention to compete at the major college level.

Basketball remained his dream, and although he was drafted the Texas Rangers, he decided to attend Georgetown University and play basketball for the legendary coach John Thompson. Derrick’s success in high school continued at Georgetown. His four year career was highlighted by his senior year by being named an All-American. Upon graduation, Derrick was the leading scorer in Georgetown University storied history. To this day, he holds the record at GU for the single season highest free throw percentage.

In the NBA’s amateur player draft, Derrick was selected by the Golden State Warriors. He was also invited to the United States Olympic team tryouts that same year. All of these opportunities of riches and fame were declined by Derrick as he thought he could impact lives and others by his participation on the international Athletes in Action team. Derrick has been inducted into the Georgetown University and the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame. He was also recently named by the university as one of Georgetown’s top 25 players of all time.

For the past 28 years, Derrick Jackson has been the Pastor of Wheaton Christian Church.