J.J. Jumper, The Official NCAA Mascot, Will Be At San Jose State On Jan. 17

J.J. Jumper, The Official NCAA Mascot, Will Be At San Jose State On Jan. 17

J.J. Jumper, the official mascot of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, is to appear at the San Jose State men's basketball game against Fresno State on January 17, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. J.J. Jumper will perform throughout the game as part of

San Jose, Calif. J.J. Jumper, the official mascot of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, is to appear at the San Jose State men’s basketball game against Fresno State on January 17, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.  J.J. Jumper will perform throughout the game as part of the NCAA’s commitment to promote youth basketball participation and sportsmanship. 

J.J. Jumper’s purpose is to increase enthusiasm and awareness of NCAA Basketball, while engaging and educating youth on healthy physical, emotional and educational values.  J.J.’s mission is to represent both genders and all races.  J.J. Jumper is an attention-getting 6’5” green creature with orange hair, size 26 shoes and a big heart that motivates youth to do their best on and off the court.  J.J. Jumper appears at men’s and women’s basketball games, giving away NCAA Basketball promotional items and performing skits during timeouts and/or halftime.

“We are pleased to support the NCAA Basketball’s official mascot and program, J.J. Jumper, because of the program’s encouragement and support with youth participation,” said Tom Bowen, athletics director at San Jose State University.  "The program illustrates the importance of sportsmanship, youth participation and other positive values, which are vital facets in intercollegiate athletics.

The 2007-08 season is the program’s eighth full season.  During the last four seasons, J.J. Jumper has made more than 300 visits at member institutions, appearing at almost 600 men’s and women’s basketball games.  J.J. performs at men’s and women’s basketball regular season games in all three divisions, conference tournaments and all NCAA basketball championships.

Tickets for the San Jose State men’s basketball game against Fresno State are on sale now online and in the Spartan Ticket Office.  For more information, call (408) 924-SJTX.

J.J. Jumper was created in 1999, in part to help member institutions reach their younger fans.  J.J. Jumper was developed through a study done by NCAA Basketball, and the concept has received a positive response from both youths and adults.

To learn more about J.J. Jumper, please visit www.NCAAsports.com.