SPORTS NOTEBOOK

When Serra High basketball forward Akeli Jackson announced that he will attend Cal State Long Beach, one of the proudest people was his father, Kyle.

Kyle Jackson lettered for the 49ers from 1973-75. “I’m very happy he’s going to Long Beach,” the elder Jackson said. “This is his first major life decision, and in a way he’s saying he approved of what I did and he sees some positive things in my life.”

One of the things that attracted Akeli Jackson to Long Beach was the school’s plan to construct the Pyramid basketball arena, which officials say could be ready in early 1994.

“I wanted to stay close to home, the head coach (Seth Greenberg) recruiting me had a lot to do with it, plus they are building the Pyramid,” Jackson said. “(Greenberg had) been recruiting me since the ninth grade and I know him pretty well.”

Kyle Jackson, a second-team All-Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. forward in 1975, played for Jerry Tarkanian and Lute Olson at Long Beach.

“I think (Akeli’s) in a situation where he can grow and develop,” the elder Jackson said. “We think what’s important isn’t necessarily where you go, but what you do when you’re there.”

Jackson plans to study criminal justice and eventually work as a probation officer.