DETROIT -- 2010 Detroit Titan Hall of Fame inductee Jermaine Jackson has seen his career take him on a new path as he is currently playing for Maccabi Haifa of the Israeli Basketball League. He was recently selected for the league's all-star game that was played on March 8 as the popular fan vote determined the all-star lineups.  

Jackson was a Detroit Titan from 1995-99. He was named the Horizon League Player of the Year in 1999 and became the 28th member of the 1,000 point club at Detroit amassing a total of 1, 341 points in his collegiate career. He was also a member of the last men's basketball team-- prior to this year-- to make the NCAA Tournament as he was part of the 1999 Titan squad that defeated UCLA in the first round.

Jackson was honored at the chance to play in the league's all-star game.

“I appreciate the opportunity that has come from hard work, my leadership on the court, and giving fans what they want and their money's worth every night,” said Jackson, who is settling nicely into his role as the team leader.

“I try to make everyone else's job easier while others make my job easier.”

Nearly 15, 000 fans voted and Jackson was mentioned as a fan favorite in the promotion of the game.

This is Jackson's second year with the Maccabi Haifa. Last season, he came and the team was at the bottom of the league. He joined the team helping them to a first round playoff win which helped Maccabi Haifa stay in the top division instead of slipping into the league's second division.

Jackson has been able to adapt to the overseas style of play, which involves a more team-oriented, college type of atmosphere. The focus is not just on one or two players, but revolves around the team.

“There is no illegal defense calls like in the NBA so you can play zone and big guys can sit in the middle of the paint so
more strategy is required,” said Jackson.

Jackson credits his time at Detroit playing for head coach Perry Watson and giving him the ability to settle in to the different style.

“I was taught by one of the best college coaches in America in Coach Watson at Detroit on how to adjust to any situation whether it's a half-court game, the fast break or whatever the style so it really wasn't that tough to adjust.”

“For me, it was more difficult to get your body right and adjust to the time change. We're about ready to play and my body is saying it is time to go to bed and it's a challenge but being over here for almost two years now has allowed me to adjust.”

He currently leads the team in minutes played and assists and has played with many young stars with the potential to be in the NBA in the near future. Scouts frequently take in his games looking for the next player who can make the jump to the NBA.

Jackson has taken the younger players on the team under his wing and is known as “saba” or grandpa by his teammates.

Jackson played 135 games with five teams in the NBA before taking his career overseas. He is thankful for every opportunity afforded to him and feels he has received a higher calling from his travels.

“God has blessed me everywhere I have been because it is to the point where my spirituality has been sending me different places to others beyond the game of basketball. I think God gave me the ability to help others on and off the court and that's where my biggest praise comes from,” stated Jackson.

Jackson's family has also made the move to Israel and has been able to adjust well because the organization has provided a helping hand with his wife and two sons becoming comfortable.

For more on Jermaine Jackson, there is a website that provides team features, game highlights as well as archived broadcasts of some games. You can find that website HERE.