Isaiah Jackson article on ESPN+

[ukhoops1_rivals58511]

Isaiah Jackson

This one has been difficult to read all fall. After it originally looked to be a potential in-state battle, both Michigan and Michigan State were cut. And all three of Jackson's finalists -- Alabama, Kentucky and Syracuse -- have had some momentum at different points in the fall. He took official visits to all three schools. The Crimson Tide have generated most of the buzz surrounding Jackson, but Kentucky has quietly positioned itself pretty well. The Wildcats are clearly looking for another forward to round out their fall group; could Jackson be that guy?

In the mix: Alabama, Kentucky, Syracuse
Prediction: Kentucky
Confidence level: 55%

 

[CKKKK]

A couple interesting Instagram follows... he follows two UK basketball managers and Coach Cal, but not Oats at Alabama.

 

[BassProCat]

A couple interesting Instagram follows... he follows two UK basketball managers and Coach Cal, but not Oats at Alabama.

Nice PI work

 

[FrankUnderwood]

A couple interesting Instagram follows... he follows two UK basketball managers and Coach Cal, but not Oats at Alabama.

How do you know this information?

 

[bgoad72]

Bass Pro Cat reads a lot of Arthur Conan Doyle and dresses up as Hercule Poirot every year for Halloween

 

[BassProCat]

Bass Pro Cat reads a lot of Arthur Conan Doyle and dresses up as Hercule Poirot every year for Halloween

It’s Sir Arthur Conan Doyle...respect them elders.

 

[JAC71]

Either TJ Walker or Nick Roush said this morning that the Jackson family hasn’t heard anything from UK staff going on five weeks. So I don’t know what to make of that info considering IK still needs bigs.

 

[caneintally]

I was all aboard the Jackson to UK train until Sisk's comments on HOB last night . BUT with that said there is another way to play those comments by Jackson's dad and that is he is playing it sly and Cal has no reason to bug a kid he has a silent commit from but we just won't know . But as I said before on here IF Cal wasn't interested in Jackson , which if the comments are taken on the surface is to be believed , then that means he must feel pretty good about a few other bigs to say no to a top 20 one in Jackson. But we find out on Saturday. I do feel confident if Cal wants Jackson he will get him . The question is does he?

 

[CKKKK]

My honest thinking on this recruitment is that he wants it to be a surprise that it's Kentucky.

 

[wardlow]

We need front court bodies like this kid needs a sandwich. Sign him up Cal!

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

Serious question: are we still under the impression that the're a mystery big out there with a sealed commitment?

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Wasn't there a "silent verbal" made from a big at or around BBM? The majority thought it to be Jackson. I could be wrong. Been working a lot of hours and toking a lot here lately. [laughing]

 

[BassProCat]

Wasn't there a "silent verbal" made from a big at or around BBM? The majority thought it to be Jackson. I could be wrong. Been working a lot of hours and toking a lot here lately. [laughing]

imp:

 

[CKKKK]

Wasn't there a "silent verbal" made from a big at or around BBM? The majority thought it to be Jackson. I could be wrong. Been working a lot of hours and toking a lot here lately. [laughing]

yes, BJ Boston hinted at one silent commitment.

 

[caneintally]

My honest thinking on this recruitment is that he wants it to be a surprise that it's Kentucky.

If he signs with UK that will be the case now after his dad's coyness . I just don't know thats is the case . I am honestly not going to stress it as if Cal doesn't want Jackson when we need to sign 3 more bigs that is a good sign we have a few bigs in the bag or close to it.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

Either TJ Walker or Nick Roush said this morning that the Jackson family hasn’t heard anything from UK staff going on five weeks. So I don’t know what to make of that info considering IK still needs bigs.

Now someone isn't being completely honest regarding this part. I've got no idea what Jackson is going to do, if UK has pushed for him, but the Dad said 2 weeks ago he hears from all the schools and specifically mentioned Kenny Payne calling them (believe it was Sisk who even mentioned this in a Podcast). Cal visited Jackson 2 times within a week and believe that is within the last 5 week time frame too. Whether he ends up at UK or not, this part of the story is 100% false.

Could be that he wants everyone to be surprised. Could be that UK moved on and they want to have a reason they didn't select them. But that info isn't accurate.

 

[caneintally]

Wasn't there a "silent verbal" made from a big at or around BBM? The majority thought it to be Jackson. I could be wrong. Been working a lot of hours and toking a lot here lately. [laughing]

He makes the most sense . I mean Banchero most likely will end up a Cat if all the other fan bases are to be believed ( Duke fans have conceded him to us like most here have conceded Kuminga to Duke ) . So IF there truly is a silent Jackson makes by far the most sense.

 

[caneintally]

Now someone isn't being completely honest regarding this part. I've got no idea what Jackson is going to do, if UK has pushed for him, but the Dad said 2 weeks ago he hears from all the schools and specifically mentioned Kenny Payne calling them (believe it was Sisk who even mentioned this in a Podcast). Cal visited Jackson 2 times within a week and believe that is within the last 5 week time frame too. Whether he ends up at UK or not, this part of the story is 100% false.

Could be that he wants everyone to be surprised. Could be that UK moved on and they want to have a reason they didn't select them. But that info isn't accurate.

Thanks for that info ralph didnt realize he said Kenny had called recently. Yeah it sounds damn weird that Cal would just not want a top 20 big when we have dire need of one. I truly believe if UK wants Jackson we will get him as his dad talked about UK unlike he talked about Bama or Cuse and its not like he is from New York or Bama or something. He is Michigan kid . Going to UK makes the most sense of the 3.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

imp:

LOL Skywalker here lately. And I'm not referring to Kenny, either.

 

[BassProCat]

LOL Skywalker here lately. And I'm not referring to Kenny, either.

Yeah I normally visit the clouds every night...keeps me level headed :sunglasses:

 

[Cowtown Cat]

He makes the most sense . I mean Banchero most likely will end up a Cat if all the other fan bases are to be believed ( Duke fans have conceded him to us like most here have conceded Kuminga to Duke ) . So IF there truly is a silent Jackson makes by far the most sense.

Would absolutely HATE to see Kuminga go to ******* duke! Ugh!

 

[Gassy_Knowls]

but not Oats at Alabama.

Is he following Coach Hall?

 

[BassProCat]

Here is that glorious crystal ball...

https://247sports.com/PlayerInstitu...terford-Mott-241710/CurrentExpertPredictions/

Should be a lot of movement here soon.

 

[revcort]

It’s Sir Arthur Conan Doyle...respect them elders.

I was about to say "No sh** Sherlock" but I don't cuss, and it's against board rules. But that was the joke that came to mind.

 

[akaukswoosh]

I was about to say "No sh** Sherlock" but I don't cuss, and it's against board rules. But that was the joke that came to mind.

No Shittu.

 

[yoshukai]

I was all aboard the Jackson to UK train until Sisk's comments on HOB last night . BUT with that said there is another way to play those comments by Jackson's dad and that is he is playing it sly and Cal has no reason to bug a kid he has a silent commit from but we just won't know . But as I said before on here IF Cal wasn't interested in Jackson , which if the comments are taken on the surface is to be believed , then that means he must feel pretty good about a few other bigs to say no to a top 20 one in Jackson. But we find out on Saturday. I do feel confident if Cal wants Jackson he will get him . The question is does he?

Or......someone has decided to ask for something that Cal won't do . I'm hoping the dads just trying to be coy .

 

[justin_uk_5]

Why do recruits and their families have to play everything sneaky and secretive, etc. A lot of these recruits know where they’re going a long time before they announce. It would be much better for all of us if they were forthcoming and just said which school they were really going to lol

 

[CoachKlein]

Thanks for that info ralph didnt realize he said Kenny had called recently. Yeah it sounds damn weird that Cal would just not want a top 20 big when we have dire need of one. I truly believe if UK wants Jackson we will get him as his dad talked about UK unlike he talked about Bama or Cuse and its not like he is from New York or Bama or something. He is Michigan kid . Going to UK makes the most sense of the 3.

What they mentioned was Cal actually going to visit him (not talking to him); they thought it was strange that he hasn’t visited Jackson—at least to public knowledge—since about four or five weeks ago.

Although, they mentioned a couple National guys recently believe it’s UK. However, with as quiet as this recruitment has been, they [Nick and TJ] both are uncertain, but they do believe a quiet recruitment like this has previously been good for UK in the past. We’ll see what happens...

 

[westerncat]

Now someone isn't being completely honest regarding this part. I've got no idea what Jackson is going to do, if UK has pushed for him, but the Dad said 2 weeks ago he hears from all the schools and specifically mentioned Kenny Payne calling them (believe it was Sisk who even mentioned this in a Podcast). Cal visited Jackson 2 times within a week and believe that is within the last 5 week time frame too. Whether he ends up at UK or not, this part of the story is 100% false.

Could be that he wants everyone to be surprised. Could be that UK moved on and they want to have a reason they didn't select them. But that info isn't accurate.

Don't think there is any Fake News out there do you ?

 

[CoachKlein]

Also, Nimari Burnett just committed to Texas Tech; Alabama was recruiting him heavily and was considered a serious contender in his recruitment, even a potential favorite.

I’m not sure if ‘Bama missing on the five-star guard would impact Isaiah, but it certainly couldn’t hurt our chances.

 

[Jakarii]

How do you know they know where they are going? Me and my teammates didn’t know until a couple days, my nephew and his teams, my friends who played, my bro and uncle the same thing. Where do you get that most know far in advance?

Why do recruits and their families have to play everything sneaky and secretive, etc. A lot of these recruits know where they’re going a long time before they announce. It would be much better for all of us if they were forthcoming and just said which school they were really going to lol

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

Don't think there is any Fake News out there do you ?

Too much fake news. Just a ton of crap out there. Glad we don't pay for it!

 

[justin_uk_5]

How do you know they know where they are going? Me and my teammates didn’t know until a couple days, my nephew and his teams, my friends who played, my bro and uncle the same thing. Where do you get that most know far in advance?

Where did you go play at ?

 

[caneintally]

What they mentioned was Cal actually going to visit him (not talking to him); they thought it was strange that he hasn’t visited Jackson—at least to public knowledge—since about four or five weeks ago.

Although, they mentioned a couple National guys recently believe it’s UK. However, with as quiet as this recruitment has been, they [Nick and TJ] both are uncertain, but they do believe a quiet recruitment like this has previously been good for UK in the past. We’ll see what happens...

Yeah It will truly be a surprise whereever he chooses and I think that might be the point of what his Dad is doing . But maybe we all are reading things into the situation that aren't there who knows?

 

[CoachKlein]

What they mentioned was Cal actually going to visit him (not talking to him); they thought it was strange that he hasn’t visited Jackson—at least to public knowledge—since about four or five weeks ago.

Although, they mentioned a couple National guys recently believe it’s UK. However, with as quiet as this recruitment has been, they [Nick and TJ] both are uncertain, but they do believe a quiet recruitment like this has previously been good for UK in the past. We’ll see what happens...

Yeah It will truly be a surprise whereever he chooses and I think that might be the point of what his Dad is doing . But maybe we all are reading things into the situation that aren't there who knows?

You’re absolutely right; at this point, people are just looking for anything they can find that may tip his hat, but no one truly knows for certain.

I think the only certainty at this point is it’s Alabama or UK.

Somewhat refreshing that there is such little information on his recruitment. It would be nice to know something, but I appreciate how straightforward and professional they’ve kept it. It’s highly commendable, especially after the Cade debacle...

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

I find it interesting with the passion of BBN and coverage they get that some things haven't been at least used to get info:

1. Jackson played on The Family with UK FB commit Earnest Sanders.

2. Sanders was on campus weekend of Jackson's OV

3. BJ Boston has publicly commented on a Frontcourt Silent Commit. This wasn't a fan/site making this up--the player said it. The follow up to that has been? Even if you want to avoid bothering someone or digging for info, just ask if the fans can expect a decision in Fall/Spring Signing Period?

We'll find out soon enough, but this is a very interesting recruitment to follow with all the ties to Michigan that each staff has--Oats is from MI, Boeheim has ties with Detroit due to Dave Bing, and then UK has great affiliation with The Family through Kenny Payne and his relationship with WWW.

 

[CoachKlein]

I find it interesting with the passion of BBN and coverage they get that some things haven't been at least used to get info:

1. Jackson played on The Family with UK FB commit Earnest Sanders.

2. Sanders was on campus weekend of Jackson's OV

3. BJ Boston has publicly commented on a Frontcourt Silent Commit. This wasn't a fan/site making this up--the player said it. The follow up to that has been? Even if you want to avoid bothering someone or digging for info, just ask if the fans can expect a decision in Fall/Spring Signing Period?

We'll find out soon enough, but this is a very interesting recruitment to follow with all the ties to Michigan that each staff has--Oats is from MI, Boeheim has ties with Detroit due to Dave Bing, and then UK has great affiliation with The Family through Kenny Payne and his relationship with WWW.

I thought it came out that the “silent commit” wasn’t Jackson, but who truly knows. It could be.

I believe BJ said it was a high-level guy; but, that can be somewhat subjective. I like Jackson, I think he would be a nice piece, but I personally would not consider him a high-level guy—I think that’s more top-10 or so players.

Again, it could be Isaiah, but what I took from BJ’s comments was that the silent verbal would be more of an instant-impact player.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

I thought it came out that the “silent commit” wasn’t Jackson, but who truly knows. It could be.

I believe BJ said it was a high-level guy; but, that can be somewhat subjective. I like Jackson, I think he would be a nice piece, but I personally would not consider him a high-level guy—I think that’s more top-10 or so players.

Again, it could be Isaiah, but what I took from BJ’s comments was that the silent verbal would be more of an instant-impact player.

A top 25 player in '20 class is a top 10 caliber player in '19. It's a better class of talent. He fits what I was told about the need to improve the athleticism as we've seen this year with a far superior defensive team in quickness due to Maxey, Whitney, Brooks, joining Hagans/Quickley and Richards. UK had gotten away from that and in SEC which has NBA caliber athleticism (not saying skill, just pure athleticism) it is even more important to recruit that aspect. Especially with the great coaches in the conference who will develop those athletes better then previous years.

 

[Bill Withers]

I find it interesting with the passion of BBN and coverage they get that some things haven't been at least used to get info:

1. Jackson played on The Family with UK FB commit Earnest Sanders.

2. Sanders was on campus weekend of Jackson's OV

3. BJ Boston has publicly commented on a Frontcourt Silent Commit. This wasn't a fan/site making this up--the player said it. The follow up to that has been? Even if you want to avoid bothering someone or digging for info, just ask if the fans can expect a decision in Fall/Spring Signing Period?

We'll find out soon enough, but this is a very interesting recruitment to follow with all the ties to Michigan that each staff has--Oats is from MI, Boeheim has ties with Detroit due to Dave Bing, and then UK has great affiliation with The Family through Kenny Payne and his relationship with WWW.

I've said for weeks I think the silent commit is Jackson. JMO. But who knows, these days

 

[CoachKlein]

A top 25 player in '20 class is a top 10 caliber player in '19. It's a better class of talent. He fits what I was told about the need to improve the athleticism as we've seen this year with a far superior defensive team in quickness due to Maxey, Whitney, Brooks, joining Hagans/Quickley and Richards. UK had gotten away from that and in SEC which has NBA caliber athleticism (not saying skill, just pure athleticism) it is even more important to recruit that aspect. Especially with the great coaches in the conference who will develop those athletes better then previous years.

You’re right, 2020 collectively is more talented, but 2019 still had a very solid top-10 to 15; I’m not sure I would put Isaiah above any of those guys, but I still really like his game—unlike several others who are a bit turned off by his offensive skills which are not as polished as some other guys.

If anything, he reminds me a lot of Keion Brooks and I would absolutely take another guy like that or in a similar mold. As talented as our backcourt will be and with the scoring prowess of our wings next year, Isaiah would be a nice athletic piece to help keep spacing on the floor and for defensive purposes.

Also, some new highlights from Fall League this year. If we do indeed sign him, then I will really look forward to watching him grow. Hopefully, this will give him more of an opportunity and role to expand his game now that LaMelo moved on to the NBL.