Derkack is the son of Gene Derkack, who played college basketball at FIU, and his mother played soccer at the school. Raised in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, Derkack attended Colonia High School.[1] As a senior, he averaged 13.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, before doing a prep year at SPIRE Academy.[2] He committed to play college basketball at Merrimack.[3]
Personal life
Jordan is oldest in the Derkack family. Aiden Derkack is youngest of the family; recently signed to play for Providence Friars but ultimately signed with Dayton following his brother. Their sister, Taylor Derkack is a current member of the UMass Minutewomen's basketball team.
College career
As a freshman, Derkack averaged 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. He averaged 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game as a sophomore. Derkack was named NEC Player of the Year.[4] Following the season, he transferred to Rutgers, choosing the Scarlet Knights over Seton Hall and Penn State.[5] Derkack averaged 5.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game at Rutgers. He opted to transfer to Dayton after the season.[2] Derkack underwent foot surgery in June 2025.[6] He averaged 9.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game at Dayton.[7]
