A.J. Merriweather, who starred in basketball at the high school, college and professional level, will be inducted into the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame when the 36th event (2020 event not held due to COVID) is held at 6:30 p.m., April 14 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.

WNWS.COM visited with A.J. (Albert Jr.) for a question and answer session to discuss his basketball career and life after the game.

Question: First, a little background – where were you born, family education, career?

Answer: Medon, Tennessee – Big city, bright lights! I have three older sisters, Kayla, Kelsea and Karen.

We all are graduates of South Side. My parents, Albert Sr. and Mitiz, are Jackson natives.

My senior year at South Side I was a TSSAA Mr. Basketball finalist, state (tournament) runner-up, and was the West Tennessee Player of the Year (2013).

After graduating from South Side, I attended East Tennessee State University for four years (2013-2017) on an athletic scholarship. I was a four-year starter and 1,000 point scorer throughout my career.

After becoming the regular season and conference tournament champion my senior year, I competed in the 2017 College Slam Dunk Contest, where I (was) runner-up. I was drafted fifth in the 2017 World Famous Harlem Globetrotters draft class.

After touring 46 states and seven countries throughout my four-year career with the Globetrotters, I decided to retire and start a construction company in Jackson, Tennessee.

(NOTE – A.J. Merriweather is the owner/CEO of A.J. Merriweather Construction, LLC)

Question: What were your thoughts when you were first told you had been selected for induction into the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame?

Answer: My initial reaction was God is good! It has always been a bucket list of mine. It was a special one because it was made up of the body of work of my career. It wasn’t like a skydiving event where I can do it at any point of my life. This is very special to me, especially receiving it at my age. It feels like a seal of my career. It makes me feel like my work was not in vain.

Question: While playing basketball at South Side High School, when did you feel your game was evolving, and would you also discuss your work ethic on the floor?

Answer: I felt like it was evolving the summer before my junior year. I was jumping higher and my confidence began to grow tremendously. At every level of my career I have no regrets. Every day I practiced hard. I was always first to the gym and last to leave. I gave my all to the game of basketball.

Question: Would you discuss what it was like to have college basketball recruiters in attendance at your high school games, and what was the deciding factor when you decided to sign with East Tennessee State?

Answer: When coaches came to watch me, I always felt like I was taking one for the team. Not only was he scouting me, I felt like it was an opportunity for my teammates to be seen too.

All five starters received a scholarship to play basketball. I chose East Tennessee State because of their engineering program, staff, and the community. They have a beautiful campus and it felt like home. I often go back and visit.

Question: What was your experience like while playing at ETSU, and tell us about your education?

Answer: I had a storybook ending at ETSU. From my freshman year having a record under .500 to winning 27 games my senior year.

Throughout my time, I saw the community regain their confidence in the basketball program. While going through a coaching change halfway through my career there, I had thoughts of transferring. My decision to stay was well worth it. We played many notable games and got big wins from Power 5 conferences.

While balancing athletics, I also obtained my engineering degree. I would dedicate my mornings to basketball and nights to education. I was a member of the Student Academic/Athletic Committee for two years.

Question: You played for the famed Harlem Globetrotters. How did you become a member of the ‘Trotters, what was your position or role and how long did you play?

Answer: After I competed in the college dunk contest, they reached out to me and wanted to draft me fifth in the 2017 class.

I became a ‘Trotter with little knowledge of tricks and history. I started out as a finisher/forward.

During my third year, I became a showman, public relations representative, and gained a marketable selling jersey.

Question: Would you give us an idea of what you will speak about when you are inducted into the Hall of Fame?

Answer: I have no idea yet. I’m sure it will be a lot of thanks, reflection, and inspiration to the generation behind me. God is faithful.

John Collins, Tommy Dean, A.J. Merriweather, James Parker and Jennifer Moore-Wilkerson are the newest members of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame.

For more information – tickets and reservations, call Beth Sedberry (731) 616-8558.

(PHOTO: A.J. Merriweather)