2010 Commit PF: Justin Jackson (Signed LOI)

[BearcatAlum1]

2010 PF 6'8" 220lbs: Justin Jackson
Signed Letter of Intent
Other offers: Missouri


27th best PF; 140th overall
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Justin-Jackson-82099

Jackson is described as having a high motor and good athleticism, but is still developing an offensive game. His desire to defend and hit the glass make him valuable.

[JGood]

thanks for the information....sounds like both of them are good on the defensive end and can block shots....can never have too many big men..

[BearcatAlum1]

thanks for the information....sounds like both of them are good on the defensive end and can block shots....can never have too many big men..

Both will be slow to give offensive impact, but both will be fine to play defense and hustle.

Remember, most frosh aren't expected to contribute more than a few minutes the first season.

We're close to being able to sit freshman and sophomores until they're ready.

I'd like to see use the "redshirt" more often, ala, Jamie Dixon and Pitt.

[JGood]

Both will be slow to give offensive impact, but both will be fine to play defense and hustle.

Remember, most frosh aren't expected to contribute more than a few minutes the first season.

We're close to being able to sit freshman and sophomores until they're ready.

I'd like to see use the "redshirt" more often, ala, Jamie Dixon and Pitt.

i couldnt agree more, this is the first year mick has enough talented bodies returning that the redshirt should be used....i just wonder if kilpatrick could have gave better minutes than davis or wilks. oh well.
we dont need these guys to drop 20 right away anyway, defense and rebounds are key to grinding out big east wins.

[milfordcats]

i couldnt agree more, this is the first year mick has enough talented bodies returning that the redshirt should be used....i just wonder if kilpatrick could have gave better minutes than davis or wilks. oh well.
we dont need these guys to drop 20 right away anyway, defense and rebounds are key to grinding out big east wins.

Have to give Wilks credit. He is improving. Didn't he have like 8 rebounds against ND?

[BearcatAlum1]

Have to give Wilks credit. He is improving. Didn't he have like 8 rebounds against ND?

I think JGood implied better minutes over the course of the season.

Wilks either plays well or horrible. Unfortunately, there is no consistant medium for Darnell.

I think Kilpatrick will benefit greatly from a redshirt year. Kilpatrick may have played token minutes, but nothing to the extent of burning a season. The kid scored plenty of points throughout his high school career. He can play. However, there are players on the roster at the same position that would have either split or eaten up the majority of minutes.

Kilpatrick will get good playing time next year. Let's remember that he is practicing, lifting, etc., throughout the season, unlike Cash's redshirt season that was spent rehabbing an ACL. Huge difference.

Kilpatrick, Gaines and Jackson is a solid class. We address our long-term needs (post-players) and hopefully Kilpatrick addresses our long range shooting concern.

[JGood]

yeah i wasnt knocking wilks, i think he is a nice peice to the puzzle, just from what i gather kilpatrick is more polished offensively...
it would be nice if mick could add another shooter, or Davis could be more consistent and fill that role next year. we will see...how highly ranked was kilpatrick, was he a top 100 player?...

[BearcatAlum1]

yeah i wasnt knocking wilks, i think he is a nice peice to the puzzle, just from what i gather kilpatrick is more polished offensively...
it would be nice if mick could add another shooter, or Davis could be more consistent and fill that role next year. we will see...how highly ranked was kilpatrick, was he a top 100 player?...

No.

Some publications had him ranked in the top 150, but Rivals and Scout had him outside the top 150 (3*).

[Carin's Dad]

No.

Some publications had him ranked in the top 150, but Rivals and Scout had him outside the top 150 (3*).But he improved considerably in his Prep school year. I think those stars are from his high school ranking?

[BearcatAlum1]

But he improved considerably in his Prep school year. I think those stars are from his high school ranking?

You're correct.

He was last evaluated entering his senior year of high school (might have been entering junior year of high school; I used to know, now I'm unsure), not his year at prep school.

So, he essentially went unevaluated by the major recruiting sites for roughly 2 years.

[GoBearcats31]

Tried digging up some info on Jackson and Gaines. Didn't realize both play at the same school (Jax Arlington Country Day).

Found this - ACD defeated St. Anthony (NJ) in the finals of a Tampa tournament that also included Lincoln High (NY) and other talented school.

http://hometeam.tampabay.com/blog/2009/dec/31/tampa-hoops-jacksonville-squad-stuns-national-powerhouse/

Arlington Country Day’s imposing front line, which includes 6-foot-10 Kelvin Gaines and 6-8 Justin Jackson, a pair of Cincinnati recruits, blocked several shots, altered quite a few more and made rebounding awfully tough for the Friars, who entered the event as USA Today’s No. 22-ranked team but will head home with their first defeat and a 5-1 record.

All-tournament team
MVP: Justin Jackson, Jacksonville Arlington Country Day
Isaiah Austin, Arlington (Texas) Grace Prep
Jay Bowie, Tampa Prep
John Brown and Wesley Blackman, Jacksonville Arlington Country Day
Elijah Carter and Derrick Williams, Jersey City (N.J.) St. Anthony
Langston Galloway, Baton Rouge (La.) Christian Life
Maurice Harkless, Queens (N.Y.) Forest Hills
Luis Jacobo, Winter Springs
Shane Larkin, Orlando Dr. Phillips
Khyle Marshall, Pembroke Pines Flanagan
James McAdoo, Norfolk (Va.) Christian
Angel Rodriguez, Miami Dr. Krop
Jeremiah Samarrippas, Bartow
Shaquille Stokes, Brooklyn (N.Y.) Lincoln
Okaro White, Clearwater

After the semifinal game that matched up legendary coach Bob Hurley's St. Anthony squad with ACD:
Cincinnati commit Justin Jackson, whom Hurley called “a high school version of Kevin Garnett,” scored 16, snared seven rebounds and had five blocks to lead the Indians.

[BearcatAlum1]

Strong work on the info GoBearcats31.

That's a solid find.

"High school version of Kevin Garnett" is high praise from Bob Hurley.

Don't expect to see Gaines receive many accolades. He doesn't score much, but, as mentioned, rebounds and plays defense extremely well.

[Helicopter]

Dang, I'd even settle for the middle school version of KG

[GoBearcats31]

Not sure what he was before, but ESPNU has new rankings and he's #82 (94 grade, Gaines a 90)

[RockOfTruth]

yeah i wasnt knocking wilks, i think he is a nice peice to the puzzle, just from what i gather kilpatrick is more polished offensively...
it would be nice if mick could add another shooter, or Davis could be more consistent and fill that role next year. we will see...how highly ranked was kilpatrick, was he a top 100 player?...

Wilks is ok. Honestly, he looks like he's lost a lot of weight this season and he's getting pushed around a lot more. He doesn't seem to be as aggressive this year.

[2kirkalypse]

But he improved considerably in his Prep school year. I think those stars are from his high school ranking?

didnt he skip his prep year and come to UC right out of high school when they got him qualified academically?

[BearcatAlum1]

didnt he skip his prep year and come to UC right out of high school when they got him qualified academically?

Wilks skipped prep school.

He was referring to Kilpatrick, who did improve in prep school.

[bearcatbret]

Parker was heading to another year of HS when UC discovered that he had enough credits (with two summer school classes) to graduate. Parker had used his four years of hs eligibility.

Kilpatrick was a stud at prep school.

[JGood]

Tried digging up some info on Jackson and Gaines. Didn't realize both play at the same school (Jax Arlington Country Day).

Found this - ACD defeated St. Anthony (NJ) in the finals of a Tampa tournament that also included Lincoln High (NY) and other talented school.

http://hometeam.tampabay.com/blog/2009/dec/31/tampa-hoops-jacksonville-squad-stuns-national-powerhouse/

Arlington Country Day’s imposing front line, which includes 6-foot-10 Kelvin Gaines and 6-8 Justin Jackson, a pair of Cincinnati recruits, blocked several shots, altered quite a few more and made rebounding awfully tough for the Friars, who entered the event as USA Today’s No. 22-ranked team but will head home with their first defeat and a 5-1 record.

All-tournament team
MVP: Justin Jackson, Jacksonville Arlington Country Day
Isaiah Austin, Arlington (Texas) Grace Prep
Jay Bowie, Tampa Prep
John Brown and Wesley Blackman, Jacksonville Arlington Country Day
Elijah Carter and Derrick Williams, Jersey City (N.J.) St. Anthony
Langston Galloway, Baton Rouge (La.) Christian Life
Maurice Harkless, Queens (N.Y.) Forest Hills
Luis Jacobo, Winter Springs
Shane Larkin, Orlando Dr. Phillips
Khyle Marshall, Pembroke Pines Flanagan
James McAdoo, Norfolk (Va.) Christian
Angel Rodriguez, Miami Dr. Krop
Jeremiah Samarrippas, Bartow
Shaquille Stokes, Brooklyn (N.Y.) Lincoln
Okaro White, Clearwater

After the semifinal game that matched up legendary coach Bob Hurley's St. Anthony squad with ACD:
Cincinnati commit Justin Jackson, whom Hurley called “a high school version of Kevin Garnett,” scored 16, snared seven rebounds and had five blocks to lead the Indians.

thanks for the info. in the big east you can never have enough guys in the paint that can rebound and block shots. defense wins championships, hopefully everything works out and we have lance and kilpatrick playing next year to provide scoring threats.

[shaunsimpson]

http://www.bearcatlair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68:jackson-coming-into-his-own&catid=5:home-news&Itemid=15

Info on Jackson's recent play.

[BearcatAlum1]

http://www.bearcatlair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68:jackson-coming-into-his-own&catid=5:home-news&Itemid=15

Info on Jackson's recent play.

18 points, 15 rebounds and 7 blocks a game is legit. He is much more offensive than I expected.

Also love the quote about, "Being the 6th man or even make the starting lineup" next year.

I get the feeling this kid wants to be a very good player. I love that we do not need to question his team philosophy, drive and willingness to do the little things.

Good things are ahead.

[shaunsimpson]

What I really like about him is that he was expected to be an effort guy who cleans up in the paint and gets what he works for, but now he is improving his game. Better to go from a tough defender who improves his game than a 6'8" player who excels on his athleticism so doesn't improve the game enough.

[BearcatAlum1]

What I really like about him is that he was expected to be an effort guy who cleans up in the paint and gets what he works for, but now he is improving his game. Better to go from a tough defender who improves his game than a 6'8" player who excels on his athleticism so doesn't improve the game enough.

Agreed.

As I mentioned, Jackson might provide offense and defense next season. That would be a huge bonus.

[BearcatAlum1]

Cincy-bound PF Jackson shines
January 25, 2010


MORGANTOWN, W. Va. -- The talent was plentiful at the PrimeTime Shootout. Games were held at Morgantown high school on Friday evening and Saturday morning before moving to beautiful West Virginia University Coliseum for the evening games. The Morgantown tournament coincided with the Ohio State at West Virginia game being played on Jan. 23. The Shootout was bought to Morgantown by the Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau who did a tremendous job. On Friday, top performances included ESPNU No. 82 ranked player and University of Cincinnati signee PF Justin Jackson (Jacksonville, Fla./Arlington Country Day) who displayed a nonstop motor on both ends of the floor and finished at the rim consistently. Sophomore SF Jarmal Reid (Decatur, Ga./Columbia) showed strength and skill; he scores in transition and from behind the arc. In the Saturday morning session, combination forward Tobias Harris (Dix Hills, NY./ Half Hollow Hills West) was terrific. He scored about every way possible. Also impressive 6-foot-10 C Juvonte Reddic (Winston-Salem, N.C./ Quality Education Academy) repeatedly finished above the rim and rebounded on both ends in and out if his area. The night session was impressive as well as two Baltimore natives and ESPNU100 performers played extremely well. PG Josh Selby (Lake Clifton) and Connecticut commit SF Roscoe Smith (Oak Hill Academy) scored with regularity and displayed high-level athletic ability.






Standout players

Justin Jackson (6-8, 210) PF
2010, Jacksonville, Fla./Arlington Country Day, Signed with Cincinnati

Jackson gets your attention right away with his constant activity. He is always around the action attempting to make a play. Jackson is an athletic finisher in transition and lob threat because he runs the floor at high speeds on a consistent basis. He hits the glass on both ends and is extremely hard to box out because of his great energy and effort. Jackson can defensive rebound and start the break where he is a decent open court ballhandler, and he can score on the offensive glass with a quick jumping tip or bring the rebound back to the floor and power it up through contact. Jackson has good touch in the lane and he is terrific at attacking the basket from the high-post area where he can get to the rim and finish with spins before he elevates over defenders. He can make straight-line drives from the wing and hit open shots with needed time and space, but these are areas he must continue to improve upon. He must work on his passing under pressure and be more disciplined on the defensive end. At times, he gambles and picks up silly fouls. What makes Jackson special is his great motor and the way he competes along with his rapidly-improving skill.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recru...ory?id=4856575


Jackson's stock continues to rise. I would not be suprised to see him elevated even higher when the final rankings are released. 6'8" with athleticism and a motor is just what we need in our program.

[cincycpaw]

This kid certainly sounds like a good one, and brings much of what the team needs. I hope S.Kilpatrick (sp?) can bring one of the other things missing, a shooter.

[JasonS]

Is this kid good enough to start next year? He sounds like a taller Eric Hicks or Connor Barwin type player. I love hearing comments like "non-stop motor" and "consistent finisher around the rim." Assuming Lance comes back (a big if), what does the starting line-up look like?

PG - Cash/Parker - not sure which will get the nod....I am guessing Cash
SG - Kilpatrick/Dixon - I don't know that Dixon is consistent enough but Kilpatrick is a wild card since he hasn't played a college game yet
SF - Stephenson
PF - Jackson?? - I have not been that impressed with Thomas and think he is nothing more than a role player off the bench...maybe this kid gets the start?
C/PF - Gates

I never thought I'd say this, but will the Bearcats be better off without Deonta Vaughn?

[BearcatAlum1]

Is this kid good enough to start next year? He sounds like a taller Eric Hicks or Connor Barwin type player. I love hearing comments like "non-stop motor" and "consistent finisher around the rim." Assuming Lance comes back (a big if), what does the starting line-up look like?

PG - Cash/Parker - not sure which will get the nod....I am guessing Cash
SG - Kilpatrick/Dixon - I don't know that Dixon is consistent enough but Kilpatrick is a wild card since he hasn't played a college game yet
SF - Stephenson
PF - Jackson?? - I have not been that impressed with Thomas and think he is nothing more than a role player off the bench...maybe this kid gets the start?
C/PF - Gates

I never thought I'd say this, but will the Bearcats be better off without Deonta Vaughn?

I appreciate what Barwin did for the program, but if we EVER bring in a player that is compared to Connor Barwin, our program is in SERIOUS trouble.

Jackson will get instant playing time. I think he'll be the first "big" off the bench. Thomas and Gates start in the paint.

[JasonS]

I appreciate what Barwin did for the program, but if we EVER bring in a player that is compared to Connor Barwin, our program is in SERIOUS trouble.

Jackson will get instant playing time. I think he'll be the first "big" off the bench. Thomas and Gates start in the paint.

I was strictly referring to Barwin's motor. That kid played hard every second he was in there against guys 5 and 6 inches and 35 to 40 lbs bigger.

[BearcatAlum1]

^ Fair enough. Kid played hard.

I was hoping you weren't referring to his talent.........on the bball court.

[BearcatLaw]

I hope S.Kilpatrick (sp?) can bring one of the other things missing, a shooter.

I hope so too...but as noted in one of the recent enquirer articles, Mick said that if there is one area in which Kilpatrick needs to improve, it is his perimeter game. Honestly, we need to recruit more pure shooters...NOW!

[dp3113]

Is this kid good enough to start next year? He sounds like a taller Eric Hicks or Connor Barwin type player. I love hearing comments like "non-stop motor" and "consistent finisher around the rim." Assuming Lance comes back (a big if), what does the starting line-up look like?

PG - Cash/Parker - not sure which will get the nod....I am guessing Cash
SG - Kilpatrick/Dixon - I don't know that Dixon is consistent enough but Kilpatrick is a wild card since he hasn't played a college game yet
SF - Stephenson
PF - Jackson?? - I have not been that impressed with Thomas and think he is nothing more than a role player off the bench...maybe this kid gets the start?
C/PF - Gates

I never thought I'd say this, but will the Bearcats be better off without Deonta Vaughn?

classic ewing theory. i think UC will absolutely be better without Vaughn.

[BearcatAlum1]

I hope so too...but as noted in one of the recent enquirer articles, Mick said that if there is one area in which Kilpatrick needs to improve, it is his perimeter game. Honestly, we need to recruit more pure shooters...NOW!

Yep. All of this is accurate.

We need a pure shooter. I don't care if the person stands on the 3 point line and never moves, as long as they hit 45%.

[aronius]

classic ewing theory. i think UC will absolutely be better without Vaughn.

I agree 100%. I appreciate what he did in his time here but he is holding the team back this season.

Great to read those comments on Jackson. This team needs a guy with a "non stop motor".

[JGood]

all that hinges on if lance stays, kilpatrick is a slasher type player right? yancy needs to step up, bishop needs to grow and improve, i agree thomas is only a role player so i hope jackson can come in and at least be servicable like yancy was his freshman year. to me next year looks promising with lance, without, then mick needs to have a shooter in his back pocket to bring in like you guys said, we will need one.

[psax889906]

Any more news on Jackson and Gaines? I saw posted over on Bearcatreport something about a playoff victory. I can't wait to have those two in the program. The roster continues to be molded in positive ways.

[BearcatAlum1]

Any more news on Jackson and Gaines? I saw posted over on Bearcatreport something about a playoff victory. I can't wait to have those two in the program. The roster continues to be molded in positive ways.

I've seen revised 2010 lists with Gaines listed as a top 150 recruit. Jackson is rising up the charts and Gainges had offers from Memphis, Uconn and Oklahoma. The kid has talent.

I'm very happy with this two man class. They address needs (big positions) and have talent. Add in Kilpatrick, and we have a nice 3 nice freshman.

[KY Bearcat]

I've seen revised 2010 lists with Gaines listed as a top 150 recruit. Jackson is rising up the charts and Gainges had offers from Memphis, Uconn and Oklahoma. The kid has talent.

I'm very happy with this two man class. They address needs (big positions) and have talent. Add in Kilpatrick, and we have a nice 3 nice freshman.

I'm also very excited to see what these kids can do in a Bearcat uniform, but it still doesn't solve our biggest problem. We simply need pure shooters. I have NEVER seen a team shoot as poorly as we do from anywhere on the court.