MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Milwaukee Area Technical College is proud to announce that Stormers standout guard Jayden Hackett has officially signed with Central Michigan University, completing a remarkable rise from overlooked JUCO prospect to NCAA Division I signee after one of the most productive seasons in MATC men's basketball history.

Hackett, a 6‑foot‑6 shooting guard from Green Bay, arrived at MATC last fall after transferring from Delta College in search of a fresh start and a bigger stage. He carried with him a promise he made at age 15 following the passing of his mother — a commitment to give everything he had to basketball. That vow guided him through Pulaski High School, Bay Port High School, Delta College, a breakout season in Milwaukee this past winter, and now to the Mid‑American Conference (MAC).

"To finally reach this level is a blessing straight from God," Hackett said of moving on to the Division I level. "Without Him, none of this is possible. With God, you can achieve anything you set your mind to if you trust Him and follow the path He has laid out for you.

"I promised my mom when she passed away in 2020 that I would get a scholarship and take basketball as far as I can," he added. "She pushed me in ways nobody will ever see. There were moments where nothing was guaranteed and moments where I questioned if I would even continue playing the sport I loved."

Central Michigan, located in Mount Pleasant, Mich., competes in the MAC, a league known for guard development and producing NBA‑level talent. Former NBA All‑Star Chris Kaman is among the most notable players to come through the Chippewas program. For Hackett, Central Michigan offers a platform where overlooked or late‑blooming guards can thrive, develop and prove themselves on a national stage.

"Central Michigan felt like home right away," Hackett said. "The coaching staff believed in me not just as a player, but as a person, and that meant a lot. On the court, their system fits my game and allows me to play freely and make an impact. Off the court, I felt the support system, the culture and the emphasis on development. It's a place where I know I can grow in every aspect of my life, even outside of basketball."

Hackett's lone season at MATC made that next step possible. He averaged 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 52.2 percent from the field, 44.3 percent from 3‑point range and 81.5 percent from the free‑throw line. His 109 made 3‑pointers tied for fourth nationally and ranked second in Region 4. He finished with 621 total points, ranking fourth in Region 4, and recorded 32 double‑figure scoring games, including 14 performances with 20 or more points.

His postseason honors further reflected that production. Hackett earned NJCAA Division II First Team All‑American recognition, NJCAA First Team All‑Region 4 honors and was named the Region 4 Midwest District A Player of the Year. He was also selected to compete in the NJCAA All‑Star Weekend in May, one of just 26 players nationwide to receive the invitation.

MATC athletic director and head men's basketball coach Randy Casey said Hackett's move to the Division I level is a testament to the work he put in from the moment he arrived on campus last fall.

"We are very happy for Jayden and look forward to supporting him in any way we can moving forward," Casey said. "His hard work and dedication to getting better every day has truly paid off."

Hackett's rise also coincided with one of the most successful seasons in MATC history. The Stormers finished 31–5, tying the 2018–19 team for the second‑most wins in program history and trailing only the 32‑win 2023 national championship team. MATC climbed to No. 5 in the national rankings, captured its seventh straight Midwest District A championship and put together a 24‑game winning streak.

The Stormers' strong regular season earned them the No. 3 seed in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament, which marked the highest in program history. They advanced to the Elite Eight before falling to eventual national champion Parkland College.

"My time at MATC helped me a ton," Hackett said. "It helped me grow mentally and physically. It taught me discipline, consistency and how to handle adversity when it hits. I learned how to lead, how to stay locked in every single day and how much I am capable of when I push myself to the max. The overall experience built my confidence going into the next level of Division I basketball."

Hackett now joins a Central Michigan program undergoing a rebuild and seeking immediate contributors. His size, shooting ability and versatility on the perimeter position him to compete for minutes early, while his long‑term goal of playing beyond college remains firmly in sight.

For MATC, Hackett becomes the latest example of the program's ability to develop talent and prepare players for the next level. For Hackett, it marks the next step in a journey built on perseverance, purpose and a promise he continues to honor.