| School: Benson | Graduation Year: 1995 |
Sport Played: Basketball
Year Inducted: 2023
High School Honors: 3 Basketball letters. 2nd Team All-PIL as a Sophomore, 1993; 1st Team All-PIL and 1st Team All-State as a Junior and Senior. OSAA All-State and All-Tournament First Team as Junior and Senior. Street Smith All-American, Nike All-American, ABCD Camp Select Team in 1994, and PIL Player of the Year and Benson Athlete of the Year in 1995.
Post High School Career: College at University of Portland, four years. At Lewis & Clark State College, one year; 5-time Conference Player of the Week, First Team All-Conference and Conference Player of the Year. BS degree in Arts and Sciences from Portland State University, 2021. 27-year career with State of Oregon Department of Human Services working with At-Risk-Youth, including basketball and youth camps.
Commentary:
God gave me the ability to play the game of basketball. Inspired by the play of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, I realized that basketball would become my purpose. I played on teams at Benson High School that were close. I learned what it meant to not only be a good teammate, but also to be a brother. The tough times made me stronger. The good times we’re the results of the growth I endured from the struggles. To gain recognition from the community I was raised in, is a certain respect that I will cherish the rest of my life. I thank God, my family, friends, and coaches who took the time to help guide my God given potential. My name is Jason Franklin, I’m a member of the Portland Interscholastic League Hall of Fame! God Speed!!