Guard commits to TU
Brandon Jackson, a 6-foot-5 point guard for Class 6A No. 1 Putnam City, has given a verbal commitment to play basketball at the University of Tulsa next season.
Jackson called Golden Hurricane coach Doug Wojcik on Thursday night to let him know the news.
"Tulsa is close to home," said Jackson, who is averaging 10 points and 6.5 assists for Putnam City. "I liked how (Coach Wojcik) and the assistant coaches were all point guards and that's where they recruited me to play. Plus, I'm going to get a great education."
Jackson attended Wednesday night's Memphis-Tulsa game and said the sellout crowd at the Reynolds Center influenced his decision.
"I could see myself playing there," he said. "They had great, loyal fans and a great facility. I really liked it."
Jackson was also drawing interest from Wichita State, Rice, Stephen F. Austin and Weber State. Teammate Xavier Henry, a junior, is one of the top recruits nationally.
His height has turned Jackson into a matchup problem for many opponents, Pirates coach A.D. Burtschi said. The coach added that Jackson's long, lean body reminds him of former Kentucky Wildcat
and current Detroit Piston Tayshaun Prince.
"He's been a solid leader for us," Burtschi said. "In the last six weeks, in particular, he's taken his game to the next level. He has nice range and has shot the ball well from behind the arc. He can penetrate and finish at the rim."
Jackson shoots 35 percent from the 3-point line.
"He does a nice job distributing the ball and is very unselfish," said Burtschi, pointing to the 6.5 assists per game.
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