I hope the Razorbacks stay keyed in on this kid here in Memphis (lean, Joe Jackson)

[HognotinMemphis]

http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=68259&Sport=2

I saw him play two years ago as a freshman. I've kept up with him in the paper since then. I can't recall the last time he didn't score at least 30 points when I look at the boxscores for White Station's games. He's a 5'11" PG and been the leading scorer on this team for 3 years. He's lightning in a bottle fast and has as feathery a jumper as I've ever seen.

White Station plays in the state's top HS classification. My daughter graduated from there two years ago.

Jackson is one of the top 2 or 3 PG's in the country in the junior class. It will be difficult to beat out Memphis and Calipari for him but Pelphrey needs this kid worse than Calipari does...Joe Jackson is levels better than Fortson.

[Razorod]

do you know anything about the hogs' chances? as of now, i can't see pel beating calipari out for a recruit calipari wants.

[Smithian]

Had we not bombed following the Texas game, we'd be in good sitting with him.

[rude1]

http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=68259&Sport=2

I saw him play two years ago as a freshman. I've kept up with him in the paper since then. I can't recall the last time he didn't score at least 30 points when I look at the boxscores for White Station's games. He's a 5'11" PG and been the leading scorer on this team for 3 years. He's lightning in a bottle fast and has as feathery a jumper as I've ever seen.

White Station plays in the state's top HS classification. My daughter graduated from there two years ago.

Jackson is one of the top 2 or 3 PG's in the country in the junior class. It will be difficult to beat out Memphis and Calipari for him but Pelphrey needs this kid worse than Calipari does...Joe Jackson is levels better than Fortson.

Not wanting to dampen anyones enthusiasm over a recruit. But we are currently trying the 5'11"(which means the kid is probably closer to 5'9"), point guard experiment, and it doesn't work very well. I know there are some small kids who can play at this level at that size, but they are so far and few between. Unless a kid is lightning quick with a deadly outside shot, he is going to have a very tough time playing at this level.

[HognotinMemphis]

do you know anything about the hogs' chances? as of now, i can't see pel beating calipari out for a recruit calipari wants.

Generally speaking, you are correct. In this particular case however, Memphis already has a great freshman PG. So Jackson coming into Memphis won't get the playing time that he would at Arkansas. He would start immediately at Arkansas - not even the slightest unlikelihood of this.

[HognotinMemphis]

Not wanting to dampen anyones enthusiasm over a recruit. But we are currently trying the 5'11"(which means the kid is probably closer to 5'9"), point guard experiment, and it doesn't work very well. I know there are some small kids who can play at this level at that size, but they are so far and few between. Unless a kid is lightning quick with a deadly outside shot, he is going to have a very tough time playing at this level.

Did you read my post thoroughly?

Lightning quick? Check. Deadly outside shot? Check. Scores as much as he wants? Check. In the toughest and largest HS classification in a state of over 5 million people? Check. Being recruited by the top programs in the country? Check. Proved himself since his freshman year? Check.

[Porkatarian]

Not wanting to dampen anyones enthusiasm over a recruit. But we are currently trying the 5'11"(which means the kid is probably closer to 5'9"), point guard experiment, and it doesn't work very well. I know there are some small kids who can play at this level at that size, but they are so far and few between. Unless a kid is lightning quick with a deadly outside shot, he is going to have a very tough time playing at this level.

Rude1, go talk to anyone in the Memphis area that knows basketball, and they'll tell you that this kid is the REAL DEAL.


Porkatarian out...

[donewithdale]

Generally speaking, you are correct. In this particular case however, Memphis already has a great freshman PG. So Jackson coming into Memphis won't get the playing time that he would at Arkansas. He would start immediately at Arkansas - not even the slightest unlikelihood of this.

That's all good.  But when jumping into the Memphis cesspool to recruit, other factors come in.  Who is in the kid's entourage?  Top adviser?  Did he play for that liar Easterwood? 

[Razorod]

Generally speaking, you are correct. In this particular case however, Memphis already has a great freshman PG. So Jackson coming into Memphis won't get the playing time that he would at Arkansas. He would start immediately at Arkansas - not even the slightest unlikelihood of this.

great to hear. i would love to get Luke Cothron (who i believe is also from Memphis) and Jackson for the 2010 class. That would give me a little confidence that perhaps the future does have some hope.

[HognotinMemphis]

That's all good.  But when jumping into the Memphis cesspool to recruit, other factors come in.  Who is in the kid's entourage?  Top adviser?  Did he play for that liar Easterwood?

Jesus. Not everyone is a bad seed. This Jackson kid is a good one.

[razorhead94]

great to hear. i would love to get Luke Cothron (who i believe is also from Memphis) and Jackson for the 2010 class. That would give me a little confidence that perhaps the future does have some hope.

actually luke cothron is from alabama, but yeah jackson would be good.  Dont count out wade either from east poinsett for 2010.  If you are talking guys from memphis, then tarrik black is another guy.

[hawgsav1]

I've watched some video of Joe Jackson, and he's pretty solid.

[yodcw2003]

No way Cal lets this kid leave Memphis.

[upperdeck_hawg]

Not wanting to dampen anyones enthusiasm over a recruit. But we are currently trying the 5'11"(which means the kid is probably closer to 5'9"), point guard experiment, and it doesn't work very well. I know there are some small kids who can play at this level at that size, but they are so far and few between. Unless a kid is lightning quick with a deadly outside shot, he is going to have a very tough time playing at this level.

chris paul is about 5'10 with an average outside shot

[The Realist]

A couple things on this kid
A) I couldn't give a crap less if Joe Jackson is 5'2...watch him play once and then say one thing about his height or any other part of his game.  All it does is make you look stupid and anyone who has seen the kid will agree.

B) We have no shot with the kid so talking about him is a moot point.  He is on the Fedex Express to Calipari

[rude1]

Did you read my post thoroughly?

Lightning quick? Check. Deadly outside shot? Check. Scores as much as he wants? Check. In the toughest and largest HS classification in a state of over 5 million people? Check. Being recruited by the top programs in the country? Check. Proved himself since his freshman year? Check.

He is also listed at a 150 lbs. Not saying this kid is going to be a bust, but at under 6' and 150 lbs., I would have some serious reservations about his ability to handle the pounding on a major college level.

[3kgthog]

To save our program some NCAA dirty looks that we don't need I'd say stay away from any player in Memphis. You get involved in that FedEx intern factory and you are asking for the eventual hammer to your program. Maybe not in the next few years, but 6, 7, 8 years down the road the turd is going to hit the fan.

[The Hogfather]

Not wanting to dampen anyones enthusiasm over a recruit. But we are currently trying the 5'11"(which means the kid is probably closer to 5'9"), point guard experiment, and it doesn't work very well. I know there are some small kids who can play at this level at that size, but they are so far and few between. Unless a kid is lightning quick with a deadly outside shot, he is going to have a very tough time playing at this level.

THIS!  I want TALL GUARDS!

[Marc Maggard]

There is nearly no chance that Arkansas or any other team besides Memphis gets Joe Jackson.  I've spoken to him 10 times this summer and he tells me every time that he is almost certainly going to Memphis.  Something huge would have to happen for him to not go to Memphis.

mm

[The Hogfather]

Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBKmAhW5J_U

[HognotinMemphis]

He is also listed at a 150 lbs. Not saying this kid is going to be a bust, but at under 6' and 150 lbs., I would have some serious reservations about his ability to handle the pounding on a major college level.

Mike Conley, the starting PG for the Grizzlies, is 6'1" and 160. He took it at Ohio State and has taken it in the NBA for a year and a half. If he can, so can Joe Jackson.

[chiefsfan]

You can never beat the Fed Ex Internship program.  You can only hope to contain it,  or blow the whistle to the NCAA, whichever comes first

[hawgsav1]

6-0 guards can make it to the NBA if they learn how to have handles.  Yes everyone wants taller guards, but there are plenty of examples of smaller guards who have done quite well in the NBA. 

[adavis517]

calipari would only sign a one year contract last year maybe he wont even be there.

[HawgnCorona]

hey, thats great if we can get him.nothing wrong with that...but we do need some height at our guard positions.

A fair question would be whats the priority at the PG position as far height? do we need a do it all PG under 6ft or an over 6'4" PG that can do it all, along with being a good flr leader,defending the 3pt line etc, etc, etc...im just sayin'.

[HawgnCorona]

6-0 guards can make it to the NBA if they learn how to have handles.  Yes everyone wants taller guards, but there are plenty of examples of smaller guards who have done quite well in the NBA. 

yep, true story...

[Brass Knob]

He is also listed at a 150 lbs. Not saying this kid is going to be a bust, but at under 6' and 150 lbs., I would have some serious reservations about his ability to handle the pounding on a major college level.

haha.... Are you guys serious?  At what point this year did Arkansas get so good that they have started having the luxury of picking and choosing what 5* players they will bring in?  Only a handful of programs can do that!  Arkansas will take any top 20 player they can get their hands on regardless of height and weight!  This is all for not though, Joe Jackson is going to stay home and play for Memphis!  BTW... I would say if he is good enough to play for Memphis he is good enough to play at Arkansas...

[Brass Knob]

Generally speaking, you are correct. In this particular case however, Memphis already has a great freshman PG. So Jackson coming into Memphis won't get the playing time that he would at Arkansas. He would start immediately at Arkansas - not even the slightest unlikelihood of this.

What freshman point guard does Memphis have?  Evens?  If he stays, a big if, he will move to SG if they bring in a true PG.... A true PG is exactly what Memphis is lacking this year.

[HognotinMemphis]

Bump. Jackson still scoring 30+ every game. This kid is amazing. I see a need for him MORE THAN EVER. He will make Fortson look like a Div III player.

[The Hogfather]

Bump. Jackson still scoring 30+ every game. This kid is amazing. I see a need for him MORE THAN EVER. He will make Fortson look like a Div III player.

No.  We need taller guards.

[HognotinMemphis]

No.  We need taller guards.

Hahahahahaha. Tell that to Chris Paul, you fool.

[The Hogfather]

Hahahahahaha. Tell that to Chris Paul, you fool.

I'm not saying he's not a good player, fool.  I'm saying this team doesn't need more 6'0" or under guards.  Period.  We need taller guards.

[HognotinMemphis]

I'm not saying he's not a good player, fool.  I'm saying this team doesn't need more 6'0" or under guards.  Period.  We need taller guards.

I don't care if Jackson is 5'11" OR 6'9"...the Hogs want him and need him in the worst kind of way. He is an assist and scoring machine. The Hogs need him now. Period.

[jonesark™]

Generally speaking, you are correct. In this particular case however, Memphis already has a great freshman PG. So Jackson coming into Memphis won't get the playing time that he would at Arkansas. He would start immediately at Arkansas - not even the slightest unlikelihood of this.

hopefully playing time is high on his list!!

[HawgAdvocate]

I don't care if Jackson is 5'11" OR 6'9"...the Hogs want him and need him in the worst kind of way. He is an assist and scoring machine. The Hogs need him now. Period.

Two words: Dejaun Wagner

Three more words: one and done

Seven words: Weak team perimeter defense due to length

One word: Needs

[akp4105]

Why all the hate on Fortson. He is the one of the best freshman PG's in the NCAA.. infact he's one of the best freshman in the nation period. Just because all he has around him is Mike Washington and a bunch of inconsistent offensive players does not mean he isnt one of the best PG's in the nation. He's a great player and will have a great career.

[Smithian]

Two words: Dejaun Wagner

Three more words: one and done

Seven words: Weak team perimeter defense due to length

One word: Needs

Dejuan Wagner had a funky illness or he would have been very good in the NBA. His first year in the NBA he average 13 points a game.

And, so what if he is one and done? We need something good to happen next year or we're gong to lose the in-state guys.

Do we even have a chance at this guy?

[HawgAdvocate]

Dejuan Wagner had a funky illness or he would have been very good in the NBA. His first year in the NBA he average 13 points a game.

And, so what if he is one and done? We need something good to happen next year or we're gong to lose the in-state guys.

Do we even have a chance at this guy?

I'm not worried about what he did in the NBA. I was talking about his career at Memphis. He's another undersized SG that is labeled as a PG. We already have one of those in Clarke.

Don't hold your breath on Jackson. Pel has bigger needs than to sign another undersized chucking SG, who might be gone after one season.

We've got talent that just needs time to mature. No matter who we put in the backcourt, we need improvement in the frontcourt more than anything.

[Hogbody]

Jackson won't help our D

[razorbackfan4life]

Why all the hate on Fortson. He is the one of the best freshman PG's in the NCAA.. infact he's one of the best freshman in the nation period. Just because all he has around him is Mike Washington and a bunch of inconsistent offensive players does not mean he isnt one of the best PG's in the nation. He's a great player and will have a great career.

I agree..  Courtney is a hell of a PG.  He does need work on his shot though.

[rude1]

haha.... Are you guys serious?  At what point this year did Arkansas get so good that they have started having the luxury of picking and choosing what 5* players they will bring in?  Only a handful of programs can do that!  Arkansas will take any top 20 player they can get their hands on regardless of height and weight!  This is all for not though, Joe Jackson is going to stay home and play for Memphis!  BTW... I would say if he is good enough to play for Memphis he is good enough to play at Arkansas...

Of course nobody is talking about not taking the kid, what I am speaking of is taking a kid that size and thinking he is going to be the savior of your program. How many teams in the current top 25 are lead by a player of this size? I haven't did the research, but none jumps off the top of my head.

[Brass Knob]

Of course nobody is talking about not taking the kid, what I am speaking of is taking a kid that size and thinking he is going to be the savior of your program. How many teams in the current top 25 are lead by a player of this size? I haven't did the research, but none jumps off the top of my head.

Ok.  I agree that I do not think he would be able to turn the team around by himself.  But Jackson would be a great get and is probably better than any current player, although I think Fortson is a very good PG.  Some teams I could think of with PG that are 6'0 or shorter are:
Ty Lawson          UNC             5'11
Levance Fields     Pitt              5'10
Kalin Lucas         Mich State     6'0
Steph Curry        Davidson
Patty Mills          St. Mary (I think)
All of Marquette is undersized..... That is all I can really think of but obviously most NCAA guards are 6'2 and taller but there are some great guards who are "undersized".  Regardless, I dont think it matters because he is almost definitely headed to Memphis.

[akp4105]

Ok.  I agree that I do not think he would be able to turn the team around by himself.  But Jackson would be a great get and is probably better than any current player, although I think Fortson is a very good PG.  Some teams I could think of with PG that are 6'0 or shorter are:
Ty Lawson          UNC             5'11
Levance Fields     Pitt              5'10
Kalin Lucas         Mich State     6'0
Steph Curry        Davidson
Patty Mills          St. Mary (I think)
All of Marquette is undersized..... That is all I can really think of but obviously most NCAA guards are 6'2 and taller but there are some great guards who are "undersized".  Regardless, I dont think it matters because he is almost definitely headed to Memphis.

Curry is 6'3

[Brass Knob]

Curry is 6'3

Really?  I didnt take the time to look him up but he always looked small... I guess its because he so skinny. 

[Smithian]

EDIT: Forgot he was a junior.

[HawgAdvocate]

Really?  I didnt take the time to look him up but he always looked small... I guess its because he so skinny. 

Mush like his little brother (at Liberty), they both had growth spurts in their late teens which kept better schools away.

[The Hogfather]

Ok.  I agree that I do not think he would be able to turn the team around by himself.  But Jackson would be a great get and is probably better than any current player, although I think Fortson is a very good PG.  Some teams I could think of with PG that are 6'0 or shorter are:
Ty Lawson          UNC             5'11
Levance Fields     Pitt              5'10
Kalin Lucas         Mich State     6'0
Steph Curry        Davidson
Patty Mills          St. Mary (I think)
All of Marquette is undersized..... That is all I can really think of but obviously most NCAA guards are 6'2 and taller but there are some great guards who are "undersized".  Regardless, I dont think it matters because he is almost definitely headed to Memphis.

But, they don't have ALL OF THEIR GUARDS AT THAT SIZE.  We already have 4 guards that play the majority of our minutes, who all happen to be under 6'2".  If we didn't have Fortson, Clarke, and Welsh already, then I'd take this kid in a heartbeat.  I'd rather have Jeremy Adams because he can help create problems for opposing teams' shooters because of his height and he would probably be able to score just as much.

We need to get taller/bigger as a team, not smaller.  This guy is a great talent, but he doesn't fit our needs to become a much better team right now.

[jkstock04]

LOL...no way Pel can recruit this guy away from Memphis....no freakin way.  If Memphis wants him, thats where he's gonna go.  Besides, I would like to see us go after some proven athletic guys with some real size and physical dominance in the post...thats what we need mostly to stop all this bleeding.

Not to mention kids that can shoot free throws.  We haven't had that in years.  Do they even practice free throws in high school any more?

[The Hogfather]

LOL...no way Pel can recruit this guy away from Memphis....no freakin way.  If Memphis wants him, thats where he's gonna go.  Besides, I would like to see us go after some proven athletic guys with some real size and physical dominance in the post...thats what we need mostly to stop all this bleeding.

Not to mention kids that can shoot free throws.  We haven't had that in years.  Do they even practice free throws in high school any more?

My point is we should go after a guy like him in 2 years after we've stocked up on some tall, athletic guards and post players.  THEN, go after another 5'11" guard that takes 23 shots a game.