Derek Piper:
Future150 Midwest Analyst Covering high & middle school basketball. IL, IN, KY, OH, MI, MO & WI
Indianapolis, IN (Future150) -- Canada Elite SF Justin Jackson has more than 16 months before he can sign on the dotted line, but it hasn't taken long for his recruitment to heat up.
As a premier talent in the 2016 class, Jackson is being hotly pursued by a handful of high-major programs. He has offers from Arizona, Baylor, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Pittsburgh and UNLV. However, Jackson said there are three schools that have already separated themselves from the pack.
"There’s a few major schools that are calling me right now that are really, really in contact with me: Illinois, Arizona and UNLV. Those are probably the three frontrunners that are really interested," he said.
Illinois assistant coach Dustin Ford watched on Wednesday night as Jackson posted a 21-point performance. Jackson said that he has a good relationship with Ford and the Illini.
"We talk a lot. He hits me up every now and then, and we talk. He’s a really good guy," Jackson said.
At 6'7", Jackson has outstanding athleticism and versatility on the wing. He can make plays from anywhere on the court with his ability to handle the ball, drive to the hoop and shoot from the outside. Jackson is also an elite playmaker and facilitator, thanks to his court vision and ball skills.
"I feel like I’m a playmaker," he said. "I like to make guys on my team better. I look for the pass before I look for the bucket. So I feel like if a school is recruiting me, that’s one of the things that I’m really interested in, which is freedom—being able to handle the ball and make plays for others because I’m not selfish."
Jackson is considered a big man on his AAU squad, but he said that he sees himself as a frontcourt player based on his skill set.
"When I get to players of my size and stature, I feel like I’m a combo guard. I can run the one, or I can play the two or three. And because of my experience playing big, I can even play the four down low," Jackson said.
Wherever he is on the floor, Jackson has a knack for making plays. Canada Elite PG Marcus Ottey talked about Jackson's impact on the court.
"This is his team, really. He’s the big leader on the team. He helps us, he’s very vocal, he’s unselfish, he gets all of us better, and he can score. He’s just a big factor on the team," Ottey said.
Besides freedom in the system, Jackson said that his relationship with the coaching staff and their belief in God will be big factors in his recruitment going forward.
"Good coaching staff, people I can trust, very trustworthy people. One of the main things is people that believe in God because I am a very religious person," he said. "Other than that, it’s just open."
Jackson does not currently have any visits set in stone, but he said that he has been talking with Arizona about going to the Red-Blue Game on October 18th. The Wildcats have a history of landing big-time targets from Findlay Prep (NV), including Houston Rockets second-round pick Nick Johnson.
Jackson and Canada Elite will play in Under Armor: The Finals in Atlanta (July 16-20) later this month.
More Canada Elite Talent
In addition to Jackson, Ottey is also catching the eye of some D-1 programs. He has an offer from New Mexico State, and he is receiving interest from St. Bonaventure, UMASS and Virginia Tech.
Ottey is extremely athletic, with good bounce and an ability to penetrate the defense with relative ease.
"A lot of people compare me to a Russell Westbrook, John Wall type of player—scoring, penetrating, unselfish," he said.
Ottey said that he is looking for a situation where he will get an opportunity to make plays with the ball in his hands.
"I hope to be a big factor on my team. Be the leader, and really just control the game being the point guard. Similar to what Chris Paul does," he said.
Another talented prospect in the backcourt is 6'4" SG Michael Asemota. He is receiving interest from Binghamton and Creighton, but continues to fly under the radar. That could change by the end of the July evaluation period.
Asemota has all the physical tools that you look for on the wing. He is an athletic penetrator, who possesses good speed, handles and size for the position.
"I think I’m kind of a scorer and a playmaker. I like to play point guard, but I can also play shooting guard at the same time," Asemota said.
"I’m looking for a school where I can come in and play, and just get minutes and improve myself because I want to play pro."
Asemota said that he wants to play in a fast-pace system, which would highlight his physical strengths and ability to get to the basket.
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