Versatile Michigan State big man with NBA pedigree has potential to be an impact player on both sides of the ball.
Video: MSU commit Jaren Jackson is a beast See the potential Top 10 NBA pick back in his prep days in Indiana.
Jaren Jackson Jr., the son of former NBA journeyman, Jaren Jackson Sr., will look to follow in his father's footsteps with the opportunity to have a bigger impact on a league that saw his dad become an NBA champion almost two decades ago in 1999.
The younger Jackson has a multifaceted game on both sides of the ball. Michigan State's athletic 6-foot-11 stretch four possesses the ability to hit the open 3-pointer with consistency and take the ball off the dribble on the offensive end. With good length and timing on defense, his potential to be a talented two-way player at the next level makes him an intriguing projected Top 10 pick.
One of the more successful high school careers based on his team's success, he collected two state titles and one Dick's Nationals title in his four year career. Guiding his teams — three years at
Park Tudor (Indianapolis) and one at
La Lumiere (LaPorte, Ind.) — to an overall record of 98-12.
He established himself as one of the Top 10 prospects in the nation during his senior campaign. A number of impressive performances were highlighted by his 21 points and 9 rebounds going head-to-head with projected No. 2 pick Marvin Bagley III; and averaging 15.7 points and 8 rebounds over three games at Dick's Nationals.
Read on below to dig deeper into the stellar high school career of Jaren Jackson Jr.
Prospect Report Card — Jaren Jackson Jr.High School Record: 70-11 in three seasons at Park Tudor, 28-1 in one season at La Lumiere.
Stats/Accomplishments: Fourth team MaxPreps All-American. State championships at Park Tudor in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Dick's Nationals championship at La Lumiere in 2016-17.
Outstanding Achievement: Led La Lumiere to No. 1 finish in the 2016-17 MaxPreps Independent Top 10, averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. The long, athletic stretch four impacted the game on both sides of the ball, averaging 4.4 blocks per game during his junior season, and shooting over 44 percent from beyond the arc. Jackson continually showed his versatility throughout high school, possessing the ability to knock down an open jumper, get to the rim off the dribble for a strong finish, or collect an offensive rebound and cash in on a second-chance opportunity.
Needs Work: Jackson needs to develop his post game with his back to the basket as he sometimes floats on the perimeter and relies on his jumper. With his slender frame, he also needs to get stronger to compete in the post with NBA level big men and stay out of foul trouble.
Best Fit: Has potential to develop into an elite all-around stretch four or simply a strong defender that can step out and hit the three. Either way, he appears to be a valuable asset down the road in today's NBA. Not expected to make an immediate impact as Atlanta, Dallas, Orlando, Chicago, and Cleveland are all likely potential destinations.
