It has been very difficult in the current recruiting climate for high school prospects to get recruited, as Division-I and Division-II programs both are consistently recruiting the NCAA Transfer Portal. AZ Compass Prep's 6-foot-7 senior wing Ryan Jackson has received his share of college recruitment recently, and now he has given a verbal commitment to a Division-I program in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Jackson and AZ Compass Prep have announced that Jackson has given a nice verbal commitment to William & Mary and Head Coach Brian Earl and his staff.
Jackson previously received offers from South Carolina State and Robert Morris also before making his college decision for William & Mary. Jackson is a high-academic student-athlete also, which gave him more options in his college recruitment.
Jackson began the season with the AZ Compass Prep National team, but then finished the season as the leading scorer and producer for the AZ Compass Prep Black team, coached by former Arizona basketball standout Gabe Sandoval. Sandoval does an excellent job at player development and coaching of his athletes, which benefited Jackson a great deal in his play, and overall individual college recruitment throughout the season. He grew up in the AZ Compass Prep program over the last two years of development.
Sandoval had this to say about Jackson, "Ryan Jackson had an incredible senior year - leading our AZ Compass Black Team in scoring and blocks," said Sandoval. "Ryan had quite a bit of incredible performances against some elite teams this season. Our staff had an incredible time coaching Ryan - he is an absolute gym rat. He spent tons of hours with us sharpening his skills and how to apply them in games."
Jackson recently performed in the AZ All-Star Shootout against other top-rated unsigned senior prospects, and showcased his ability to score in transition and the half-curt set, while slashing and finishing in traffic. He has very good size for the wing position at 6-7, and has upside still with very good athleticism. He is just learning how good he can become and has the ability to really develop over time. A skilled performer with a nice shooting stroke with range, and an ability to handle the basketball and make plays.
Congratulations to Ryan Jackson and his family, as well as the AZ Compass Prep basketball program on another Division-I signing from their program. Jackson will look to sign a national letter of intent next month, during the NCAA Signing Period.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Ryan Jackson is a bigger wing prospect with a good overall skillset and very good athleticism. A fundamentally sound performer that has really developed his overall skillset and ability to play the game over the last two years I have watched him. Has excellent work ethic. A good shooter with range on his jump shot and also a strong finisher at the rim and has a mid-range game as well. A good slasher and finisher in the half court, and a good scorer in transition. Will improve in his ability to finish over bigger defenders as he continues to get stronger physically over time. An active rebounder and a strong rebounder from the wing position. Capable of playing as a 2/3 over time, but at his best as a wing currently. A good defender that competes hard. Has upside. An excellent student-athlete and high academic performer.
