Recruiting Report: Jackson Joens (2018)
Fresh off the heels of playing a critical role with Xavier during its run to a 3A state title, 2018 small forward Jackson Joens has already launched into his 16U grassroots season. This summer won’t be quite as key…
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Continue ReadingFresh off the heels of playing a critical role with Xavier during its run to a 3A state title, 2018 small forward Jackson Joens has already launched into his 16U grassroots season.
This summer won’t be quite as key as next when it comes to recruitment for Joens, and though he has some initial Division I interest, his focus is solely on getting better this offseason.
“Drake is the latest to talk to my head coach, and Missouri State has talked to him, and so has Illinois State,” said the 6-foot-5 wing.
“I hope my recruitment gets a little more ramped-up, but I don’t really mind too much right now — as I get better I hope to more looks from other schools.”
After a solid freshman season with the Saints, Joens emerged as a star last season as a sophomore — especially last month at the state tournament — averaging 10.3 points, and connecting on 46 percent of his outside attempts.
“I think I’ve become more versatile as a player, I’ve improved my ball-handling a lot and my shooting has been pretty good for the most part. I’ve been getting a lot stronger and getting in the weight room, just trying to be the best player I can be,” said Joens, who mentioned where he still needs to see improvements.
“I still consider myself a small forward, I don’t think my handles are good enough to be considered a shooting a guard. I need to work on that for sure. Next year I want to be able to get a board and bring the ball down the floor comfortably.”
After playing with the Barnstormers in year’s past, Joens decided to switch to Martin Brothers for his 16U season. He explained the switch to PHI.
“More shots for me. On Barnstormers everyone is really good and everyone is fighting for a shot. I just thought I’d be more comfortable with the Martin Brothers, and my teammate Matt (Mims) is on the team, and I just thought I’d be comfortable with him,” said Joens.
“They just want me to score the basketball, Hank (Huddleson) has just been telling me to let it fly, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
His goals for the spring and summer?
“I just want to develop more as a player,” said Joens. “I’m not really looking for any scholarships right now. I’m just looking to be the best player I can be.”