Hall of Fame basketball coach and University of North Dakota alumnus Phil Jackson added an academic honor to his growing list of career accomplishments Monday, when he received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from his alma mater at a convocation ceremony at the Chester Frtiz Auditorium on the UND campus.

Jackson graduated from UND in 1967, after pursuing studies in religion, philosophy and psychology.

"UND is pleased to award the Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree to an outstanding alumnus of the University, Mr. Phil Jackson," said UND President Robert O. Kelley. "Mr. Jackson was nominated for this distinction by the academic faculty and staff of the University. The award acknowledges Mr. Jackson's commitment to scholarship and to the application of philosophical and psychological principles to human performance and excellence in athletic competition."

Jackson, currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, has amassed 976 regular season wins in his 17 seasons coaching in the NBA. He's led his teams, the Chicago Bulls (1989 to 1998) and the Lakers (1999 to present), into the playoffs every year he's coached. His playoff win percentage of .700 is tops all-time in the NBA, thanks in large part to his nine NBA world championships -- six with Chicago and three with Los Angeles. Jackson's championship tally is tied with Boston Celtics legendary coach Red Auerbach for most. He also is regarded for being part of two NBA Championships as a gritty defensive specialist with the New York Knicks.