Former King commands attention at Arboga

Student success on state tests helped bring former Sacramento Kings player Bobby Jackson to Arboga Elementary School where he spoke Thursday to children and answered questions that included how tall he is and how much money he makes.

"I don't make a lot of money right now," he said of ending his playing career. "I'm on the teaching side."

Jackson said that his 6-foot height means, "I'm probably one of the shortest guys to play the game."

Students at the school south of Marysville achieved an 824 score in the Academic Performance Index. Educators consider 800 the "magic number" they seek to reach in the tests students took last spring.

Eric Preston, principal of Arboga Elementary, said Jackson's appearance was part of the school's effort to recognize students for their success on the tests.

Preston credited school secretary Twila Smith with making Jackson's appearance possible. Smith said she started contacting the Kings on Sept. 16. Jackson now works in public affairs for the NBA franchise.

Students at the school with an enrollment of 437 were buzzing about Jackson's appearance, said parent Jessica McCollum.

"They were all going to the bus stop saying, 'Bobby Jackson is coming,'" McCollum recounted.

One student asked Jackson, 36, whether basketball players need to have an education.

"Unfortunately, you don't," he answered — but emphasized that an education is great to have.

Asked if he owns a yacht, Jackson said he doesn't. "I don't even like boats," he added.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Ryan McCarthy at 749-4707 or rmccarthy@appealdemocrat.com.