Jackson prepared for larger role
Over the past three season at Putnam City West 6’2 combo guard Gerren Jackson has matured into one of the best basketball players in the state of Oklahoma. Each year Jackson is presented with a new challenge heading into the…
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Continue ReadingOver the past three season at Putnam City West 6’2 combo guard Gerren Jackson has matured into one of the best basketball players in the state of Oklahoma. Each year Jackson is presented with a new challenge heading into the season. Trying to get on the floor early in his career with a loaded team, learning how to be a player Putnam City West can count on off the bench, how to an effective starter for the Patriots. This year the challenge ahead of Jackson might be his toughest feat yet.
Jackson must lead the Patriots at the Point Guard spot on and off the floor. He steps into the Point Guard role full time with the loss of Marquis Johnson (UCO). The Patriots will have to count on Jackson to run the offense. The skills Jackson has continued to improve over his career, ball handling, shooting, vision and defense will set him up for a great senior campaign.
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“I have changed from being a back up Point Guard to having to handle the ball because we do not have Marquis Johnson anymore,” said Jackson. “I have to be more of a scoring threat. I have to get my team involved in the game.”
Last season Jackson started at the two guard spot, which took teams focus off him at times as they turned a large portion of their focus towards Johnson at the Point. This season all the focus is on Jackson.
“I’m looking to involve the team and do what ever we have to do to succeed,” said Jackson. “Team goals we have to share the ball and play good defense.”
Putnam City West head coach Lenny Bert has always done a great job of developing his Point Guards over their high school careers. Jackson understands his role heading into the Patriots season opener this evening in the Dallas metro area. He does not hold a Division I offer at this time, but has received low Division I looks from several programs.
Jackson will have a great senior year with his athleticism, high basketball IQ and quickness. The smooth drive Jackson possess allows him to get to the rim against nearly any defender. The improvement in the jump shot of Jackson makes him even tougher to defend. What separates Jackson from many players across Oklahoma is that he plays both ends of the floor non-stop.
Division II colleges are heavily recruiting Jackson with the hopes of landing him as an immediate impact player. Jackson will lead the Patriots into their opening game of the season tonight against Dallas Kimball.
For more information email Matt@prephoopsoklahoma.com