Photo by Nicholas Koza
Joe Jackson, White Station (Memphis, Tenn.)
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — All you were really able to make out from the stands was a blue blur. Actually, two blue blurs. They were not really that distinct, either. They appeared everywhere during the Third Annual Reebok All-American Camp, held at Philadelphia University.
And you had to look closely, very closely to see Joe Jackson. Because in a second, he was by you, blowing past another slew of defenders wondering what just happened. In an informal poll of over 25 players here at the Reebok Camp, Jackson has been deemed as the best player here.
It’s far from official, and it’s only a smattering of opinion from the over 100 players at Reebok, but there may not be many who would argue that distinction.
The 6-foot senior-to-be from White Station High (Memphis, Tenn.) almost literally grew up at the Reebok Camp. It’s his third year at the camp and he’s made sizable gains in that span.
There have been times when Jackson has been dominating this week. For example, during his team’s 76-69 victory Wednesday night, the first day of the camp, Jackson, with his blue-sleeved shooting shirt under his jersey, exploded for 14 fourth-quarter points on 7-for-9 shooting, with three steals and two assists. And that was in one quarter.
All anyone could make out were the blue streaks in the eight minutes Jackson was on the floor Wednesday night.
“I think my biggest motivation this year is to get the respect of the other players,” Jackson said. “I want to be known as one of the top players in the country—and to prove to people that I am still one of the best. This is where to do it. I’ve been coming here for three years now, and I like Chris Rivers and what Reebok does.”
Apparently, there were a number of very prominent college coaches nodding their heads in agreement in what Jackson is able to do. The lightning-quick guard lists Memphis, Tennessee, Kentucky, Kansas, Connecticut and Duke among his favorites. He didn’t issue a specific date or time period when he’d make his choice, but was at Reebok to reaffirm his standing.
It’s safe to say he did—with some added relish.
Photo by Nicholas Koza
Jackson in action at Pangos All-American camp.
“I came here wanting to show I can hit the outside shot and show I have some range,” Jackson said. “That’s the biggest key, to show people I can shoot. I don’t think it’s being cocky or arrogant to say I don’t think anyone can guard me one-on-one. I know I can get to the basket, and again, it’s not meant to be cocky. You have to believe in yourself.”
Eric Robinson, Jackson’s AAU coach, sat and shook his head, as he’s done hundreds of times already each time he’s watched Jackson play.
“I’ve been coaching high school basketball for 14 years and I’ve never seen anyone do the things that Joe does,” Robinson said. “What people need to know is that Joe is really a student of the game. He takes little pieces of great guard’s games and incorporates them into his own.”
College coaches are all clamoring to make Jackson their own.
Jackson will have his choice of schools. He’s willing to be patient and wants to make all of his visits. But he is getting tired of constantly being asked …
“Where are you going, what college you going to, I hear it all of the time,” Jackson said. “I’m going to go where I’m comfortable. When July 1 [the first day college coaches can contact recruits] came, my cell phone blew up and my voicemail filled. I just hit seven and deleted them all. By now, I know the [college] coaches know me and I know them and know who’s watching.
“Right now, I have two or three more AAU tournaments, but I can’t wait for my senior year. I have another state title to win, and when I’m comfortable with a school, I’ll decide then. I’m just having fun now.”
And looking good doing it. It’s just a matter of catching up with Joe Jackson.
Joseph Santoliquito covers high schools for the Philadelphia Daily News and is a frequent contributor to MaxPreps.com. He can be contacted at JSantoliquito@yahoo.com.