AMHERST, N.Y. — Felisha Legette-Jack can sound a little intense during practice. Ask her about her son, however, and that intensity quickly gives way to pride and love.

"For four years, I never saw him play on a consistent basis," she says of Maceo Jack, a senior on the UB men’s basketball team. "I give everything to my players, but it does take away from my son."

"You see the tough side she has on the court, but off the court, she’s a great mom," says Maceo. "She shows her support."

What You Need To Know

  • Maceo Jack has been cleared to play for the UB men's basketball team after sitting out the spring semester

  • Maceo's mother, Felisha Legette-Jack, coaches the UB women's basketball program

  • After starring at nearby Williamsville North High School, Maceo played at George Washington for four seasons

While Legette-Jack was turning the UB women’s program into a MAC contender, her son starred at Williamsville North High School just four miles away. Maceo caught the attention of several Division-I schools, eventually signing his letter of intent to play for George Washington.

Maceo played there for parts of four seasons before a coaching change and a youth movement cut into his playing time. He chose to transfer last December, giving him one final season of eligibility. After considering offers from several other D-I schools, Maceo chose to come back home.

"He went through the whole recruiting process, and he went upstairs and went on the Zoom by himself," says Legette-Jack. "He came down one day from the Zoom and said ‘Mom, Dad, I’ve made a decision. I think I’m going to stay and play here at the University at Buffalo.’ It was a business transaction, and we said ‘okay son, we’re proud of you.' "

"We both got excited," says her son. "We all were jumping around, because we all knew we were going to have a year together that we haven’t been able to have for the last four years."

Legette-Jack played it cool - just for a bit. 

"Dad was all proud, and I cried. I didn’t show him, because I’m a tough coach, too,” she says with a laugh. “I can’t let him see me cry."

And now mother and son can see each other as much as they want without worrying about long drives or plane rides.

"Being able to drive like 5-10 minutes from where I live at, and just have some dinner with my mom and dad every now and then, a couple of times a week, it’s great," he says. "I was only able to see my mom once or twice a year."

"I can give him a call and communicate with him. Go to Blaze Pizza and find him and Brock in the pizza line. I’m like 'thank you God.' It’s the coolest thing ever."