Tiffany Jackson dead at 37: Basketball world mourns WNBA star and Texas Longhorns legend

American basketball is grieving today after it emerged that “beloved” player Tiffany Jackson had passed away, leaving behind a young son.

Basketball is mourning the loss of former University of Texas star Tiffany Jackson at the age of just 37. Picture: WNBA.

Basketball is mourning the loss of former University of Texas star Tiffany Jackson at the age of just 37.

The Texas Longhorns legend was a three-time All-American and the No. 5 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft, reported The US Sun.

Jackson’s journey to the top began at high school in Duncanville, Texas, in Dallas’ south west, where she won the State Championship in 2003.

She would head to the University of Texas later that year and remained with the program until 2007, breaking numerous records along the way.

Jackson is the only player in Texas history to have at least 1000 points, 1000 rebounds, 300 steals and 150 blocks.

Former @TexasWBB player and coach Tiffany Jackson died today at the age of 37. pic.twitter.com/E5gk0QuN8B

— Longhorn Network (@LonghornNetwork) October 4, 2022

The 1.9 metre forward was selected in the WNBA Draft by New York Liberty where she would spend three seasons, before a switch to Tulsa.

She would enjoy her best WNBA season in 2011, averaging 12.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

Jackson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 but returned to play in the league for LA in 2017 after going into remission.

She leaves behind one son, Marley, who was born in 2012.

Former Texas women’s basketball coach Jody Conradt said: “Tiffany had a great career and was an impact player.

“She was recognised for her all-round game and the fact that she was tremendously mobile and could play multiple positions.

“She was beloved by teammates, and we share in the sadness of her passing.”

After retiring, Tiffany went into coaching and held an assistant role with Texas.

Her most recent role was head coach at Wiley College, an NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) school in Marshall, Texas.

Current Longhorns coach Vic Schaefer lauded Jackson as one of the “best players ever” to play at the organisation.

She said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Tiffany Jackson, one of the greatest players in the history of Texas women’s basketball.

The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Tiffany Jackson.#LegendsForeverpic.twitter.com/xFOPvyMtAX

— NBA Alumni 🏀 (@NBAalumni) October 4, 2022

Prayers for the Jackson family. A beautiful mother, daughter, sister, teammate, coach, mentor and friend. Touched the lives of many, just like her father. RIP Tiff. #TJack

— DFW Elite Basketball (@dfwelite) October 4, 2022

“From her days as a player for DFW Elite to her days as a player at the University of Texas, Tiffany has meant so much to so many people in this great state of Texas.

“I know she was so excited to be the head coach at Wiley College for the upcoming season.

“She will be sorely missed by so many. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family.”

This story appeared in The US Sun and is reproduced with permission.