Gabe Jackson had a unique choice to make coming out of New Brighton High School. After pulling off the rare feat of being named to the Associated Press first team All-State team in both football and basketball, which sport would he choose to provide him with a free college education?

Jackson chose basketball, and the rest is history.

In the early 90’s, Jackson was a dominating force in high school basketball, having numerous highlights and achievements throughout his career. A three-year starter at New Brighton, Gabe set multiple records. In his junior and senior year, Gabe played in the prestigious Blackhawk Christmas Classic, becoming one of two people to earn back-to-back MVP titles.

In his senior year of 1991, Gabe averaged 30 points and 12 rebounds per game. He was named Section 13 AA MVP, WPIAL AA Player of the Year, Post Gazette's Fab Five, Beaver County Times Male Athlete of the Year, and All-American.

With 2011 career points, Gabe became a member of the Elite Beaver County 2000 Point Club. Gabe also made WPIAL history by becoming the first player to score 2000 points and be named to the Top Twenty Two Team for football. Gabe had clearly proved to be an outstanding athlete and a double threat.

While attending Robert Morris University, Gabe’s athleticism and achievements continued. He averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds per game. In his senior year, he was named Second Team All North East Conference and the team MVP. During an impressive game against Duquesne, Gabe’s skills were highlighted by having a perfect shooting night. He went six for six from the field and eight for eight from the line. He was honored by being named ECAC Player of the month and NEC Player of the week.

After graduating college, Gabe took his skills to the next level, playing professionally in Europe with both the British Basketball League and the Irish Basketball Association. In Belfast, Ireland, he played for the Stars of the Sea, being named MVP for his first year of professional play. Gabe returned to the States briefly, playing pre-season for the Connecticut Pride in the CBA. He then returned to Europe and finished his professional career in Dublin, Ireland, with the Tolka Rovers in 2003. Gabe was named five-time All Star and two-time IBA MVP, with a career average of 27 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Gabe has continued his love of the game by involving himself in coaching and mentoring. He has coached for the New Brighton high school girl’s basketball and currently coaches seventh grade boys AAU basketball. He is also the director of the Gabe Jackson Youth Basketball Camps and provides individual training. Gabe, who has two children, Michael and Tycen, is currently a counselor at Gateway Rehabilitation Center.