MEMPHIS - University of Memphis basketball fans have been literally waiting years for the words White Station star Joe Jackson is about to say tonight.
The 5-11 point guard posted on his Facebook page early Friday morning that he would announce his college decision at 6:30 p.m. outside the Finch Center practice facility on the U of M campus. Jackson has been dropping hints on Facebook for several days that he would pick the Tigers over Tennessee and Kansas, and it appears he is ready to make it official after having an in-home visit with Memphis coach Josh Pastner on Wednesday.
"I am committing TONIGHT at the Larry Finch Center at 6:30 pm," the Facebook post attributed to Jackson said. "Come support me and one of the biggest decisions (of) my life. ... Kansas, TN, Memphis. What (will it) be?"
Jackson is a consensus top-20 player in the country and has been ranked in the top 10 by some scouting services. From the minute Jackson emerged as an elite, national-level player several years ago, Memphis fans began tracking him and hoping he would become the first McDonald’s All-American to stay home and play for the Tigers since Lorenzen Wright.
Jackson has made good on that belief, despite a coaching change at Memphis in April that could have turned his recruitment in a different direction. Instead, Pastner has not only been able to secure Jackson but also has landed top-10 player in shooting guard Will Barton from Baltimore.
Jackson’s commitment ensures Memphis will have one of the top recruiting classes in the country in 2010, regardless of who else Pastner gets.
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Comments » 69
UTVolsFan7 writes:
Joe Jackson would have a excellent career if he chooses to play for Head Coach Bruce Pearl and the explosive Volunteers.
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
He must have grade troubles
AlpharettaVol writes:
If he's making the announcement in a U of M building then there is no mystery to it.
CUSA_NEWS writes:
Here's what JJ had to say about UT:
http://boxofmess.com/?p=3776
Interviewer: When Josh Selby de-committed from Tennessee, the school went after you. Did you like this even though it seemed that you were not their main guy to begin with?
JJ's response: Well, there are schools where I AM their main guy, so I had other options. Think about this: How many players has Tennessee put in the NBA? Can’t think of 5 right now can you? I want to go to a school where I’m a key player and one that has a reputation of producing NBA players.
CUSA_NEWS writes:
Smart kid if you ask me.
This has been your CUSA NEWS update...
Chris4Vols22 writes:
He'll know what he's missing out on when the Vols tame the Tigers yet again.
Chris4Vols22 writes:
Yeah, and he couldn't get Derrick Rose's SAT guy...
volguy writes:
After the ceremony, WorldWideWes will be on hand to present Jackson with the keys to a new Escalade and a Nike contract.
chad_t31 writes:
What?! There's still a C-USA??
iowavol writes:
Over Under For UCLA
TN Points: 45
UCLA Points: 10
UT Rushing: 275
UT Passing: 250
70+ Yard Drives, TN: 3
TO Margin: +2 UT
Total Defense TN: 250 yards
Big Berry Blast: 2
polymer writes:
He's "announcing" on the front porch of U of M's Larry Fitch Center?? So what's to "announce" that we don't already know? This ship has sailed. Move along --- nothing to see here.
oldsmokey67 writes:
With Pastner memphis player's will flop.He's rode the coat tail's of calamari and memphis will be a ship of fool's from here on out.They will be lucky to win 16 game's this year.
oldsmokey67 writes:
If memphis is a basketball school why did'nt they go and get a Big Time Coach.At Least Pearl has been there and done that.Memphis hired a rookie newb that has'nt won a single game.Granted Pearl still has alot to prove but he has proved more than that loser Pastner has.In 3 years Memphis will be a after thought and Joe Jackson will be left scratching his head wondering why did'nt i go to tennessee.
TommyJack writes:
Hope he's a smart kid. All future Memphis State signess with have US Marshals at their ACT tests.
gbeejr#1354500 writes:
Trying to make this appear as a mystery is one of the most pathetic attempts I've seen. A drama major he ain't. And besides, who needs a major when you play basketball for Memphis State?
EarthBoundMisfit writes:
In answer to you miserables, if Pearl were such a great coach....when was the last time he signed two five star players in a matter of months?
Memphis is still loaded enough to win its conference and go to the NCAA tourney, our former coach has poitioned UK to win the SEC.
You saps will be looking at a Sweet 16 exit....AGAIN...next season as we roll to bigger and better things
UrbanStopCallingMe writes:
Now THAT'S funny!
UrbanStopCallingMe writes:
You're bragging about your FORMER coach? Seriously? Didn't he kick you guys to the curb?
Irwin_Linker writes:
Well the clear choice is Kansas based on that quote.
murrayvol writes:
Won't happen but it sure would be a show stopper.
golfballs03 writes:
He is committing to UT then having an orange helicopter swoop down and pick him up.
smokeyvol1 writes:
"loaded enough to win its conference" that statement is enough to make all you mempiss state fans look like real fools. My high school is loaded enough to win that confrence.
Ironcity writes:
UT's second string could win your conference. The Metro (or whatever they call it now) is a glorified high school league. I wish Joe well, nothing wrong with staying close to home to play ball. At the end of the day, UT will get a top notch point guard, who knows maybe it will be one of the guys who decommitted.
lildhoss76ut#638162 writes:
"worldwidewes" is Ky's enabler now not Memphis's
volguy writes:
Is Tiger High going to have a ceremony to lower the Final 4 banner at the 1st game?
Vol_Jokes writes:
Boys, jealousy will get you nowhere. Just because once again Memphis will have one of the top recruiting classes in the country and even with a new coach, it's nothing to get upset about. You should know it's the norm these days. The guy just wants to play for a team that has a history of putting players in the NBA plus a history of winning. Why would he choose the vols when he can go to a successful school and stay at home. If the vols are lucky enough to make it to their version of the national championship again (sweet 16) Jackson and the Tigers will be shooting for the real championship.
sandiegovolunteer writes:
He must be a brave young man. Anyone who is willing to run the gauntlet against the likes of Rice,Tulane,SMU, Marshall,UTEP, UCF.... Some day he will be telling his grandchildren how his buzzer beating layup against Rice preserved a 42 point victory.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Dupree said the turning point was when he discovered Thuggery was not offered at UT.
bugman (Inactive) writes:
lol joe,go to memphis. we really couldnt care to be honest.
WestTennVol writes:
Memphis has a two year history of putting players into the NBA and 'officially' they didn't make it to the NC game. Wins vs the C-USA, not sure they even go on your permanent record.
PS-Memphis didn't have a 'top' recruiting class last year; although I'm not sure how you define 'norm'.-Love WTV
mike#208050 writes:
This is the beginning. There is a lot more talent in Memphis to follow, some experts rate it the number one area now and they will follow Joe....
It is no longer a Calipari vs. Pearl recruiting battle in Memphis. Josh Pashner is the best in the business, that is why Lute Olsen at Arizona had him recruiting for them 6 years before Calipari lured him to Memphis.
Get used to it, Pearl is done recruiting in Memphis. And so is Mr. John Calipari.....
TIGRFAN in knoxville
CUSA_NEWS writes:
Cheer up guys,
you still have Bruce Pearl!!
=^)
DonJuan writes:
Congrats, Joe. Here is your prize:
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/stroll...
http://readme.readmedia.com/news/show...
http://www.menshealthliving.com/learn...
http://www.michaelhanscom.com/eclecti...
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/...
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/...
Is there a worst places to live list out there without Memphis?
CUSA_NEWS writes:
................................T H I S.........J U S T........I N................................
Memphis will be changing its name to "University of McDonald's All-Americans"...
Stay tuned for further info on this breaking story.
This has been your CUSA NEWS update..
cherihansen writes:
Evidently you know nothing about White Station High School. Children do not attend White Station High School unless they are more than average in school. It is an optional school that people camp out over night and wait in line praying that they might get the children enrolled. The children have to be tested in order to get in. I can assure you he is not a grade risk.
cherihansen writes:
Like last year??? Ha ha ha he he he!!!
mike#208050 writes:
Last time I saw Stevie Hamer, he was out of the NBA and managing a KFC on Cedar Bluff. He was your last success story! The balance are either in jail, selling drugs or playing ball is some third world country.
Don't choke on that bone of yours. Just having fun with you, don't get your war paint on at me!
TIGRFAN in knoxville
UrbanStopCallingMe writes:
I was born in Memphis and lived there until I was around 11. There is a sign in South Memphis that says... "Welcome to Whitehaven. A friendly place to shop, a nice place to visit, We don't mind shooting a Mother F*cker after 5PM. Enjoy your stay."
mike#208050 writes:
Don't get so high and mighty over Derrick Rose. The NCAA didn't prove he did not take that SAT test, they only alledged he didn't and ruled him ineligible because he never responded to an inquiry.
It is common knowledge in Memphis that Tony Harris became eligible only after a girl took his test for him in West Memphis, Arkansas. The NCAA didn't care because he never did squat at UT.
I wonder who took Allen Iverson's test? Your comment is just plain dumb. What does SAT scores have to do with kids playing in the NBA. It's coaches that get kids ready for the NBA and you don't have one of those.
TIGRFAN in knoxville
CUSA_NEWS writes:
Oh I forgot wytch doc,
UT is a Burger King school.
How did that workout with Josh Selby, bone breaks no?
Another thing, Bo <errr> Joe knows there are no Burger King players in the nba! lol
mike#208050 writes:
Yeah, I remember that game. You act lack a 4 point win is a butt kicking? A game your vols trailed in with a minute to go. I guess anytime your boys can beat Memphis is a monumental win for your program.
So, how did your Bruce Almighty do against Memphis last year, IN YOUR BUILDING ?
TIGRFAN in knoxville
Chris4Vols22 writes:
Thanks. We're just glad we don't have a nobody coach.
JoeVols writes:
November 7th, Joe...Don't forget to tell Memphis to bring their "reputation" to Neyland..
mike#208050 writes:
Even Pearl admitted that Memphis did not contact about the job, as if anyone in Memphis wanted him. Interesting that you claim Pearl turned Memphis down when he was never contacted the job. Get your facts straight.
Mike Hamilton got scared and hustled, now you are overpaying Pearl even more! Do you really believe he is an equal coach with the credentials of Pat Summit? Joke is on you. Laugh your head off.
Enjoy your time in the SEC. Kentucky has Calipari, all the top recruits and will spank you like a little child.
TIGRFAN in knoxville
CUSA_NEWS writes:
Do you seriously believe Memphis went after Brucie? Brucie has even stated he was never contacted by Memphis.
Let me guess, you received your news from wytch doc.... trust me, them bones arent worth a hill of beans when it comes to news, lol. Seek CUSA NEWS if it is ground breaking news you yearn.
This has been your CUSA NEWS update...
CUSA_NEWS writes:
Did someone actually mentione the game we, Memphis, gave to UT? As I remember it, Joey and Dosier fought over the same rebound in the waning moments only to knock it away from themselves.
Also I'd like to point out that the best player on that UT team STILL WAS NOT good enough to make an nba roster. Kids take note hence your decommits and noncommits.
This has been your CUSA NEWS update...
utucla writes:
All those so-called "great" recruits....so few (none) national titles....still choking on that last opportunity?....oh that's right you guys were never there....check the ncaa record book.....
Irwin_Linker writes:
Man, I'm sorry it sure sucks to be in the CUSA. Maybe one day your joke of an athletic department can step up and compete with the big boys. The best Memphis season in history what was it 0 - 38. UT is a football school, basketball is 2nd to football recruiting that time of the year. It's also pretty sad your joke of a team can't post a winning record on the lowly vols. I know I know according to Memphis head to head doens't mean a thing, but reality is we have beaten you significantly more times than you have beaten us. I live in Memphis and currently attend Grad School there, I know its awful to put up with all the classless tiger fans. Just yesterday one of my good friends A HUGE MEMPHIS fan made a funny point. It was something along the lines of "man all of the Memphis Bball players have really nice cars." Consider yourself lucky the NCAA let you clowns off with a slap on the wrist. I sure hope they do a little more digging into your sleazy program.
CUSA_NEWS writes:
Did someone really have the audacity to ask me about the # of players Memphis has in the nba?!?
FYI, UT has had only ONE PLAYER who was drafted & played in the nba since 2003. I repeat O-N-E!
http://www.basketballreference.com/pl...
Memphis has steam rolled players in the nba in recent years.
http://www.basketballreference.com/pl...
UT = 1 (Bruce's one and ONLY)
Memphis = 8, with Wagner, Anfernee and Lorenz doing there thing late in the Y2K era to push it to 11. Smart move Joe Jax given that Bruce has sent a bigh fat one to the nba.
This has been your CUSA NEWS update...
CUSA_NEWS writes:
C-O-R-R-E-C-T-I-O-N,
Brucie has produced ZERO draft picks since his tenure. I repeat, Z-E-R-O!
http://www.basketball-reference.com/f...
CJ Watson was never drafted, and you guys wonder why the Joe Jackson's and Selby's are running for the hills (or away from the hills in your case rocky top). Heck, even Craft jumped ship... you guys still have Bruce's son though so all is not loss..
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