Demetrius Jackson is a senior from Mishawaka Marian High School. The point guard is our top rated college prospect, and has a composite ranking across the national sites of 31. Jackson had scholarship offers from elite programs like Kansas, Louisville, and Michigan State before deciding to stay home and play for Notre Dame. He played his club basketball for Rod Creech and the MBA Select program throughout his high school career.

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Jackson is a fantastic athlete. He is explosive off the dribble and as a leaper. He has always been a very well built player especially in his upper body. Jackson will not have any strength issues as a college freshman. At 6-1 or 6-2, he has good size for a point guard.

Jackson is a very good finisher around the basket. He finishes above the rim with ease. He is also comfortable using either hand to finish over, around, or through defenders. He is not afraid of contact when he attacks the basket.

When you combine his quickness, strength, and tenacity, you have a great defender. Jackson is an extremely tough on-ball defender. He also anticipates the game very well on the defensive end. He will be able to compete from day one at Notre Dame because of his defense.

Outside shooting was Jackson’s biggest drawback early in his high school career. He has worked hard and has developed into a good outside shooter. He is a rhythm shooter off the dribble. He has no problem raising up and hitting shots over defenders. There is certainly room for improvement though. He will need to continue to improve his shooting and become more consistent if he wants to play in the NBA.

Jackson has all the tools to be an immediate impact player for Notre Dame next season.  Although Notre Dame has had NBA players in recent years, they usually do not come in as highly-regarded as Jackson. There will be some pressure on him to elevate the Notre Dame program from day one. He is a smart, tough, and humble player, so we expect him to manage the expectations well.

When projecting Jackson’s long-term potential, the NBA is definitely realistic. His build is very similar to former Kentucky player and current Clipper Eric Bledsoe. Both are in the 6-1 range, strong, and very athletic. Bledsoe does have a 6-8 wingspan and I do not think Jackson matches that.  Jackson is likely a better shooter off the dribble at this stage of his career. I’m not sure Jackson will be a “one and done” player, but he should be able to develop into a better point guard than Bledsoe. {/iACL}