Maryland Basketball: Terps Make Cut for Nation’s No. 2 Player
Mar 20, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Mark Turgeon reacts during the first half against the Valparaiso Crusaders in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
The Maryland basketball program on the rise, and fast. The Terps are finally beginning to be recognized on the national stage again. Elite high school basketball prospects are taking notice as well, most recently, Josh Jackson, the No. 2 player in the Class of 2016, according to 247Sports. Jackson recently announced his top nine schools and Maryland was on that list, along with Arizona, Duke, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Kansas, North Carolina, and UNLV.
The Terps have done a fantastic job as of late when it comes to recruiting. First, it was Melo Trimble, who was the 31st best player in the Class of 2014, according to the 247Sports Composite. Next, it was Diamond Stone, who is the No. 6 overall player in the Class of 2015. Now, Maryland has the opportunity to sign a top-tier high school prospect for the third consecutive year, and Jackson could be the biggest one yet.
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Jackson is from Detroit, but he is currently in California attending prep school. One of the big reasons why he stands out from the crowd is because he possesses elite athleticism. Jackson can do so much with that 6-foot-7 frame. He can beat you in a number of ways. He’s a gifted slasher and can get to the rim at will, but he’s also capable of knocking down the outside shot.
See for yourself what makes this kid so special.
Jackson was a key member of the gold medal winning USA U-19 team at the FIBA World Championships. It’s uncertain when Jackson will be announcing his college decision, but Kansas and Arizona appear to be at the top of the list right now.
Maryland has some work to do if they’re going to be able to land Jackson. If the Terps live up to the hype this season, they may be able to climb up the list. When looking at the bigger picture, this could be considered a win, whether Jackson signs or not, because Maryland is finally getting national respect.