Memphis White Station's (HS) Joe Jackson still has Tigers on his list

White Station's Joe Jackson still has Tigers on his list
By Jason Smith, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Thursday, April 2, 2009

White Station High junior guard Joe Jackson said Thursday he still plans to consider the University of Memphis as a potential college basketball destination if the Tigers make the right coaching hire.

Jackson, ranked the No. 15 overall prospect in the class of 2010 by Rivals.com, had been seriously considering Memphis before Calipari's departure this week to Kentucky. However, Jackson said his attraction to the Tigers had more to do with the program than Calipari.

"I was going (to Memphis) for the city," said Jackson, who remains uncommitted. "It wasn't about the coach or whatever. But it was great because (Calipari) was a good coach too. He was in town. Good coach. Good program. You can't go wrong."

Jackson's top two choices for the Memphis job, Missouri's Mike Anderson and Tennessee's Bruce Pearl, each agreed to deals this week to remain with their respective programs.

Jackson, whom Rivals.com ranks the No. 3 junior point-guard prospect nationally, is also considering Tennessee, Arkansas, Marquette and Kansas. Jackson had been offered a scholarship by Kentucky when Billy Gillispie was head coach, and he said he expects to receive an offer from Calipari once he's settled in Lexington.

"I'm really confused right now," Jackson said. "I'm going to wait to see what coach is going to come in and coach the (Tigers)."

The 5-11, 150-pound Jackson averaged an area-best 26.2 points during the regular season and scored a combined 82 points in three state-tournament victories last month to lead White Station to a 31-7 record and the Class AAA state title.