Recruiting Report: Joe Jackson (2018)
Faribault High School might not have a head basketball coach at the moment, but the Falcons will have an extension of a coach (whoever that becomes) on the floor in the form of Joe Jackson.
Jackson, a 5-foot-11 point guard, heads into his senior year as the unquestioned leader for the Falcons. He spent the summer playing grassroots with Wear Out the Net and gained a lot of valuable experience.
“[Playing AAU] makes you elevate your game a lot just to get better,” Jackson said. “You see better players every game and it makes you want to work hard. I got a lot better. My shooting improved a lot; defensively too. And just being a better vocal leader as a point guard.”
Defense has always been a strength for Jackson as he’s got a great combination of quickness, strength and tenacity. Shooting hasn’t been something he’s showcased much particularly with his high school team. But the Falcons graduated a big senior class and Jackson – who has always been more of a facilitator than shot-hunter – will likely need to shoulder more of a scoring load this winter.
He’s a capable scorer, possessing solid touch in the lane and the ability to finish with a variety of floaters, scoops or pull ups from the mid-range. He’s never been a high volume 3-point shooter but he’s efficient.
“This summer that was my main point was to get better at shooting and that’s what I did,” said Jackson. “In summer league and AAU I started shooting a lot more and that’ll have to travel over to the winter season.”
Jackson’s drawn some recruiting interest and said he’d like to try to play his way to the Division II level.
“I’ve heard from a Division II school in California – [UC] San Diego,” said Jackson. “They wanted me to come out for a camp but I couldn’t make it. Going to get out there for a visit soon. I’ve talked a little bit with Winona State, Mankato State; just trying to get my name out there.”