The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/678402
2016 BASKETBALL RECRUITING ISSUE fer last year, one of the first few the Wolverines extended to juniors. His list now includes Maryland, George- town, Michigan State, Indiana, Pur- due and more, with several other of- fers likely on the way. "I'm getting a lot of calls, have done a lot of interviews … a lot of coaches are reaching out to me from new schools," Jackson said in early May. "Texas A&M, Alabama and Pitt are the latest to offer." And they won't be the last. Bossi reported in early May that Jackson has taken his game to new heights this spring — and he's still only 16 years old. Because Jackson is a legacy, Georgetown will likely be an op- tion until the end, but he said there was "no doubt" Michigan was also still in play for him. "I didn't talk to them as much dur- ing our seasons because, as Coach Beilein told me, he focuses on the players they have during the sea- son," he said. "I love their system and their style of play. Coach Beilein is a great coach, so that was no prob- lem to me. If I went there he would focus on me, so what he's doing is fine." The contact has been much more consistent this spring, he noted. "They told me they don't offer just anybody, so they must have seen something," he said. "I liked it there, saw a practice and a football game. I really like the environment and the fans, and I really like the freedom in the offense." Jackson remains open to all schools and is in no hurry to make a decision, though he admitted adding to his father's legacy was intriguing. "I think it's just a great opportunity to carry on what my dad started [at Georgetown]," he said. "I'd be able to add something, but I'd want to make it more my own [path] if I did, it's not like anyone is forcing me to go there. "I'm pretty much open to every- body. I am cutting it down slowly but surely." Jackson was averaging 16.0 points per contest through seven Nike EYBL games, and shooting 50.7 percent from the floor, 74.4 percent from the free throw line and an eye-opening 46.4 percent from three-point range. Bossi was blown away after seeing Jackson in action. "He didn't have a great junior year [at Park Tudor], did not show a lot of growth, but this spring he has been tremendous," Bossi said. "I think there's a chance that he's a poten- tial five-star before it's all said and done. He doesn't turn 17 until Sep- tember, so he's very young for 2017. He's grown to every bit of 6-9, maybe 6-10, and he's skilled. He's learning how to play hard." Though everyone thinks George- town is his leader, Bossi added, "Maryland might be the team to beat." He's an outstanding student from a great family, and the Wolverines should have a shot.