UNLV landed a big-time commit Monday night when they received a verbal pledge from Justin Jackson, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound 2016 small forward from Findlay Prep.
The Toronto native and No. 4 small forward in the 247Sports Composite rankings, Jackson said he also considered Louisville, Illinois and Arizona, but chose UNLV because of his relationship with head coach Dave Rice and assistant Todd Simon, the former Findlay Prep coach.
“I fell in love with UNLV from the first time I saw it,” Jackson said by phone.
“Really I just felt a sense of family. It’s been the same thing picking my choice to Findlay Prep. I was looking for a sense of family, a school that allows me to play my game. I’m a real versatile player and they have a lot of that in store for me. They’re going to put me at the 1, 2, 3, they could put me anywhere on the court and that’s really what I was looking for.”
A standout at NBA Top 100 camp this summer, he is currently is ranked 26th by ESPN and 29th by Scout.com. Jackson was one of only three players in Findlay Prep program history to average over 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in a single season.
Jackson has been a member of the Canadian national teams and played a key role as a 15-year-old on the under-17 team, averaging 11.2 points and 6.0 rebounds, including 17 points against the USA U17s.
UNLV has developed something of a pipeline to Findlay Prep. Freshman guard Rashad Vaughn went there, as did sophomore forward Christian Wood.
“He can play the 1 through 4, he’s so versatile, that’s one of the strengths to his game,” Findlay coach Andy Johnson said.
“I know Rebel fans are going to be real happy. He’s the total package as far as being able to score from all three levels. He’s a great passer. His ability to create to make his teammates better is second to none right now. And I know his relationship with Coach Simon that he formed at UNLV was really strong and he’s really excited to be a Rebel.”
Photo credit: Kelly Kline / Under Armour
