ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, March 7, 1996 TAG: 9603070034
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
VIRGINIA TECH TWINS Jim and David Jackson look the same and play the same. This year, they've looked identical on the bench.
This was supposed to be the big year for Jim and David Jackson.
After two seasons of basketball separation, Virginia Tech's hustle-maniac identical twins were jacked for a long-awaited on-court reunion.
``We were looking so forward to that,'' Jim Jackson said. ``We hadn't played together in a game for two years ... and you're looking at two guys who had been together their whole lives before that.''
Well, the reunion hasn't quite lived up to advance billing. Oh, the Jacksons are together ... as in sitting together on the Tech bench.
With the Hokies' improved depth, the twins rarely have enjoyed concurrent trips on the floor. Solo minutes have been tough enough to find. Jim ranks seventh for the Hokies (22-4) in average minutes played (14), while David is 10th, averaging eight minutes.
It's been a tough hand to deal with for a pair of Type A personalities who'd rather mop floors than sit.
``Those two are about as hyper as they come,'' said Bill Foster, Tech coach. ``I'm sure it's been hard for them. Both of those kids would much rather be out there jumping over press tables or diving on the floor for loose balls rather than sitting over there with me.
``It's just the way things [have] shaken down this year. I'd like to get both more playing time. But everything this year is different for us. Things change. Everybody's minutes are down.''
Nobody's minutes have gone south quicker than David Jackson's. Only a year ago, the 6-foot-5 junior, who earned a scholarship after walking on at Tech in 1993, was one of the main cogs on the Hokies' 25-10 NIT title team. He ranked fifth in average minutes (25) in Tech's thin seven-man rotation and scored 8.5 points per game.
Entering Tech's 7 p.m. quarterfinal game in the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament today in Philadelphia, David has scored eight points in the Hokies' past 11 games. He never got off the bench in one game and missed four others because of appendicitis. He is averaging 3.3 points a game.
``It's been tough mentally, because I've never sat in my life playing basketball,'' David said.
Ironically, about eight minutes of David's playing time has gone to his older brother. Still, Jim's minutes and scoring (4.7) are down considerably from his first two seasons, in which he started all 49 games and averaged 10.1 points.
``We both thought things would be a lot different this season,'' Jim said.
``I feel worse for David, though. He stepped up and did a great job last year. He saved their butts in a lot of games and I think he deserves a lot of credit for that.
``Personally, I thought my role might be a little bigger, too.''
While the role reversals have been difficult for the twins, Foster said it's to their credit that neither has caused an uproar.
``There would be other players who would make a big stink about it, but we're not that way,'' Jim said. ``What they're doing has worked. He [Foster] has won 22 games.''
David added: ``It's hard not playing, but it's still good to be a part of this success. Hey, things have changed and you just have to accept it and move on.''
Don't worry. These guys aren't going anywhere. They can stand in and take charges with the best of them.
``Never quit,'' David said. ``You're never out of it, I don't care what the score is.''
Forget about the reunion on the basketball court. The twins who used to fight like cats and dogs as youngsters simply are glad to be back together.
``We're best of friends and we love each other,'' Jim said. ``It was real tough when David was down at UNC Asheville [1992-93] and I was here. We called each other all the damned time. The phone bill was outrageous.
``We've been around each other all our lives. We used to dress alike until about the sixth grade, when we learned if we didn't we'd get some new clothes.
``The main thing is we're back together. We're part of a great team.''
Both Jacksons' eyes light up when next season is mentioned. The Hokies lose four starters off this season's squad, which significantly will increase playing-time possibilities for all.
``We both have another year, and that's a good thing,'' David said. ``I think you'll see a lot more of us next year.''
Together. At the same time. On the basketball court.
LENGTH: Medium: 88 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: GENE DALTON/Staff. Jim Jackson (front) and David Jacksonby CNBhave not appeared on the floor together very frequently. Still,
they've contributed to the Hokies' 22-4 record. color.