With the rise of the transfer portal and NIL era in college sports, schools have increasingly turned to former NBA players for front-office-style leadership roles. Kendrick Perkins is set to join the Jackson State Tigers, a prominent HBCU program. (X) The latest example is Kendrick Perkins, who is set to join the Jackson State Tigers, a prominent HBCU program, in an official capacity as part of the athletic department, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Dual role at Jackson State In addition to his responsibilities with the basketball program, Perkins told ESPN on Friday that he will also be involved with the university’s broadcast and journalism department, expanding his role beyond athletics. “I’m thankful for this opportunity to impact young lives and pour back into my community,” Big Perk told ESPN. Perkins collaborated with newly appointed Jackson State head coach Trey Johnson and athletic director Ashley Robinson in shaping and finalizing his new position with the program. Jackson State is coming off a challenging 12-21 campaign and has not appeared in the NCAA Tournament since 2007, …