CHICAGO — Duke commit Frank Jackson and uncommitted wing Josh Jackson both have the same last name. Both had 19 points for the West team in Wednesday’s McDonald’s All-American Game, and both earned Co-MVP awards for their performances.
But after a postgame television interview with the two players together, Josh was the one bombarded by the media. Among the lights, cameras and cellphones, he wouldn’t budge or hint at where he plans on going to college.
“I’m really waiting for an opportunity where I can be home be around my family and close friends,” he said. “I really want to [announce] around the people who have been supporting me the whole way through.”
Josh said he made his decision in the last week, and will announce back home in the Detroit area when he gets a break from basketball trips like this one or the Nike Hoop Summit next week.
And yet, despite the continued hassle from reporters and hype from fans, Jackson says he isn’t frustrated or overwhelmed by the attention. He’s just relieved that he’s no longer uncertain about the future.
“There was definitely a point in time where I was so confused about where to go to school,” Jackson said. “I was just thinking about it and it was tearing me apart, it was really stressing me out. I feel relieved and I finally know in my heart which school I want to go to.”
Jackson’s athleticism, scoring ability and success attacking the basket have scouts drooling and his name high on everyone’s list. Really high, as in the No. 1 player in the Class of 2016. But that’s not a goal or concern for the Southfield, Mich. native.
“Being the No. 1 player in the country doesn’t really mean too much to me,” Jackson said. “There have been plenty of guys who have been No. 1 in the country at some point in time, and then time goes on and you never hear about them again. So being No. 1 in the country is not my main focus right now.”
Jackson said his decision is clear but not a complete secret; he hasn’t told any coaches, but close family and friends –including Michigan State commit Miles Bridges — know where he’s going. But Jackson doesn’t want to play up the announcement. He just wants to do it the right way.
A reporter asked if Jackson plans on using the next couple weeks to drop hints about his decision online or have any fun with it. Jackson just smiled and shook his head.
“No,” he said. “Twitter would go crazy.”
Even when there was potential for Jackson to divulge which way he was leaning, he responded just vaguely enough. He made sure not to slip up when asked if he was disappointed that he didn’t get more time one-on-one against Bridges, who played for the East team in the McDonald’s Game.
“I’ve had my opportunities to go up against Miles,” Jackson said. “Hopefully one day we’ll get an opportunity to play either with or against each other again.”
If one thing can be said, it’s that Jackson spoke thoughtfully and candidly after the game. He realizes that accolades like the McDonald’s Game MVP are only the beginning if he continues to work hard.
For now, only those in Jackson’s closest circle know where he’s heading this fall. In a couple of weeks, that will change.
Ryan FishZagsBlog
