Washington recruit Jackson Grant wins state’s Gatorade award
SEATTLE (BVM) — Jackson Grant will soon take on a new challenge as he begins the first season of his collegiate basketball career at the University of Washington, but he’ll leave the high school game as the best in the state.
On June 30, the Olympia High School 2021 grad was named the Gatorade Washington Boys Basketball Player of the Year after averaging 22.9 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.0 blocks as a senior for the South Puget Sound League champion Bears. Grant, a McDonald’s All-American, finished his Olympia career as the school’s all-time leading scorer and is ranked by ESPN as the country’s No. 42 recruit among the Class of 2021.
“Jackson Grant owns a terrific combination of size and skill that can stretch the floor,” ESPN National Recruiting Director Paul Biancardi said in a Gatorade press release. “His overall strength has increased, which enhances his post-up game, and he’s now a legitimate threat both inside and out. He’s a McDonald’s All-American whose best basketball is still down the road.”
Grant will try to step in and make an immediate impact away for the Huskies, who are coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons in which they went a combined 20-38 after winning the Pac-12 regular season title and reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2019.
“We’re lucky to get Jackson Grant and to have the chance to coach one of the best players in Washington state,” Washington head coach Mike Hopkins said last November after Grant signed his letter of intent. “He’s got great size, is very skilled for his position and is a proven winner that will be a great addition to our program. We’re thrilled to have such a true Husky on board.”
