Whitefish Bay’s Jackson has no plans of slowing down in pursuit of basketball career
WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. (BVM) — It was a special moment when Jayden Jackson received his first Division I offer as a junior to play basketball at South Alabama.
“I hugged my mom and started tearing up because it felt like this was actually something that’s possible and not just some fantasy or a thought in my head,” Jackson said. “The work I’ve been putting in, the time and effort I’ve been giving everyday has finally been paying off. Then I got an offer for football from NIU. I really broke down because I was just like, ‘OK I can do this.’”
Those first few offers were only the beginning for the 6-foot-3 basketball guard and football wide receiver at Whitefish Bay High School. He has since received offers from Illinois State, Eastern Illinois and Western Illinois and was attracting interest from Wisconsin, Michigan State and Iowa State for football. He has been talking with UMBC, Miami (Ohio), Western Illinois, Northern Arizona, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Green Bay, Evansville, and the University of Idaho for basketball.
“Before I could have really chosen a program or chose a school, I first had to choose what sport I was going to play in college,” Jackson said.
That is why on Aug. 14, Jackson announced via Twitter that he would be pursuing a future in basketball rather than football.
After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to pursue basketball🏀 in college…
Thank you @NIUCoachHammock @CoachCushing @Coach_Spack @_CoachElliott for believing in my talents by offering me#newchapter #ballislife🏀 pic.twitter.com/Vz8KDrRCJo
— Jayden Jackson (@JaydenDJackson1) August 15, 2020
“It was definitely a difficult decision,” Jackson said. “Growing up playing both sports and then having to choose what to pursue in college was hard. I love playing football and I definitely do love playing basketball but I decided ultimately that for my family basketball was a better decision.”
An important part of that decision for Jackson was knowing where his heart was at. Although he enjoyed the football recruiting process, moving forward in the sport would almost be like lying to himself.
“Even right now I do wish those programs and the coaching staffs the best,” Jackson said. “Down in my heart I just feel like it wouldn’t have been the right decision for me if I were to continue to play and then go to a school half heartedly if I knew that’s not where my heart was truly at.”
Now with the decision made, Jackson is ready to enjoy his last season of football.
“The last couple years I was always worried about having to play a good game or I have to do good so I can get looked at and hopefully play at the next level,” Jackson said. “Now I feel like a weight is off my shoulders. I’m looking at the season as a time to compete and a time to win but also a time to enjoy what God has given me. Just go out there and have fun with the people who I made a connection with.”
While he will be able to enjoy his football season, Jackson is still focused on where he will go to college next year. The decision has made it easier, but COVID-19 has also had an effect on the recruiting process.
“It’s definitely hard,” Jackson said. “That’s a guarantee; there’s no other way to put it. It’s been a challenge, not only for me but also for the colleges who have been recruiting me. They are not able to come out and see me so they can’t really get a first hand look of who I am as a person or bring me to the campus. On both ends it’s been a difficult process but also a learning experience. It has shown me to continue to be persistent and shown that nothing is going to be given to you easily. You have to go work for it.”
Even with the added obstacles, Jackson knows what he wants when choosing a school. Academically, he plans on going into the medical field either as a doctor or physical therapist, but he also wants to study finance.
“Athletically, I’m looking for a program that I can call a family, somewhere where I can build a connection not only with the coaching staff but the players too,” Jackson said. “Where I feel like my best interests are their best interests and we’re both on the same page, both willing to sacrifice for the family that we created.”
Jackson is going to take his time choosing a school, he has no timetable for the decision.
“I’m still seeing what schools are interested,” Jackson said. “But I am hitting that timeline where I have to pick up the pace a little bit.”
For now, he will focus on football and then begin to get ready for basketball. He is not going to let the recruiting process stop him from making the most of his senior year.
“Go out there have fun; enjoy the senior year,” Jackson said. “Be the player that you know you are, be a leader for the younger individuals to help build the program and then go out there and win games.”
