Five-Star Power Forward Jaren Jackson Commits To Michigan State


Five-star power forward Jaren Jackson has committed to the Michigan State Spartans.


After narrowing his list down to five schools, five-star power forward Jaren Jackson took to Twitter and announced his commitment to Michigan State.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me and contributed to where I am today. I’m blessed to have a strong family circle that includes my parents, grandmother, and a bunch of aunts, uncles and cousins. They give me guidance on how to be the best version of myself as a person and a player.

“I am also grateful for the friendships from the Sandy Spring Friends, Park Tudor, and now La Lumiere communities.

“I have an appreciation and respect for what every school and its basketball program has to offer.

My decision is to continue my academic and athletic career at Michigan State University. #GOGREEN”

Jackson announced this decision on his 17th birthday, selecting the Spartans over the likes of Georgetown, Maryland, Notre Dame and Purdue. He’s listed as the No. 5 power forward and No. 29 overall recruit in the class of 2017.

Tom Izzo, having been inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this past weekend, was in hot pursuit of Jackson’s services. So much so that Izzo flew to visit Jackson immediately after his induction ceremony.

“It was crazy he came to visit me right after I was watching him on television from the Hall of Fame,” Jackson told ESPN. “I heard he was coming but I did not know for sure he would show up. That meant a lot to me.”

But it’s not just Izzo’s recent trip that won the 6-foot-9, 210 pound big man over.

“Coach Izzo has established a culture and an attitude of winning and I want to be part of that. He does a great job at developing his talent too.”

Jackson possesses a 7-foot wing span and has great size for a power forward. His ideal length allows him to be a force on the glass and a tenacious fighter on the defensive end. He’s also capable of stretching the floor and doing damage from behind the arc.

Michigan State’s 2016 recruiting class is listed as No. 3 in the nation. Though Jackson is only the first 2017 commit to join Michigan State, the Spartans’ 2017 class could hardly be off to a better start, and is well on its way to replicating that high ranking.

Note: Scout rankings, ratings and photos used in this article.

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