The death of former University of Evansville basketball player Brian Jackson at age 34 has left the University of Evansville basketball program saddened. Jackson died of an apparent heart attack on Friday in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas. According to the Wichita Eagle newspaper, Jackson had recently begun taking medication for an enlarged heart.

"Brian was a great person," said UE Head Coach Marty Simmons, who was an assistant coach for the Aces when Jackson played in 1994-95 and 1995-96. "As a basketball player, he was a very hard worker and always put the team ahead of himself. He was also very good academically and represented our program with the utmost class. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Brian's family."

Jackson transferred to Evansville from Butler County Community College, and immediately broke into the UE starting lineup as a junior in 1994-95. In fact, Jackson led the nation in three-point shooting percentage that season (.558), earning him the AT&T Long Distance Award and a $1,000 general scholarship award for the University. He averaged 8.9 points that season.

Jackson was chosen as team captain prior to the 1995-96 season. He was averaging 13.4 points through seven games when he broke his leg in practice on Dec. 28, ending his career. Jackson's two-year totals included 34 games played and 30 starts, 334 points, 91 rebounds and 80 assists.

Jackson went on to become head coach at Cowley Community College in Arkansas City, Kansas. He is survived by his wife, Heather, and three daughters–Ryleigh, Jaysi and Emersyn. Funeral arrangements are pending.