BARVA, Costa Rica (Men’s Basketball) – Former Florida Tech guard Anthony Jackson became the second basketball player to join the ranks of a professional organization this month, signing with Ferrenteria Brenes-Barva of the Second Division League of the Costa Rican Basketball Federation.

His former teammate Simon Cummings recently played in his first game with the Essex Leopards of the English Basketball League.

“I’m just thankful to have an opportunity to continue playing,” Jackson said. “When I first signed to play basketball at Florida Tech, Coach Mims told me if I have two good seasons, he’ll find me a team to play professional basketball. I’m excited to have this opportunity.”

Jackson did just that in his two seasons with the Panthers. The Brevard Community College transfer made an immediate impact in the 2010-11 season, averaging 13.6 points per game to rank as the team’s second-leading scorer.

In the 2011-12 season, Jackson returned with an even stronger season, averaging 16.2 points per game to again rank second. His stellar performance in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament led to an appearance on the SSC All-Tournament Team.

“I’m really excited for Anthony Jackson,” FIT head coach Billy Mims said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity. It is always a great opportunity for anyone to finish their college career and get the chance to continue playing the game they love for a profession.”

Jackson joins a squad that won a record-setting five consecutive National Championships from 2006-10. Last season, the team lost in the semifinals of the tournament.

“At the college level, I had a chance to play with players that carried themselves and played like they were professionals,” Jackson said. “Coach (Mims) wanted us to act professionally on and off the court. I know if I work hard, I’ll do well. It’s going to be a learning experience, and I’m looking forward to being a student-athlete of the game!”

Jackson will travel to his new squad, Ferrenteria Brenes-Barva, at the beginning of October to begin his professional career. Head coach Warren Espinosa will take the reins for his first season as coach of Ferrenteria Brenes-Barva. The season will run from October through May.

“The opportunity in Costa Rica is like the equivalent of getting the opportunity to play Triple-A baseball,” Mims said. “It is professional basketball, but it is at a level that is developmental. The better he does there, the better his opportunities will be to step into bigger and better jobs in South America.”