Jackson Signs; Lamar CO C.C. Update
Reggie Jackson had some high major nibbles early, but when it came down to it, the 6-8, 240 pound sophomore center from Lamar C.C. in Colorado decided between a pair of solid mid-major programs.
According to Lamar C.C. Head Coach Kris Baumann, Jackson signed with Murray State this week. He picked the Racers after visiting the Kentucky based school last weekend (Apr. 9-11). He also visited Lamar University in Texas from March 26-28.
Advertisement
Jackson averaged 12.4 points and seven rebounds per game, shooting 59 percent from the field.
"Reggie had a good year, not a great year," Baumann said. "He's a good kid who's coachable and has upside -- I think he will only get better at the Division I level."
"He can bang against guys, and he has good touch around the basket," Baumann continued. "He must continue to become a better rebounder and defender."
As for Jackson's teammate Quinton Hosley, he remains committed to St. John's. However, there are some issues that could obstruct his enrollment at the school in the fall.
"He's going to need 15 or more hours to graduate this summer," Baumann cautioned. "He might need to return to school in the fall to complete his degree."
As of late Thursday evening, Baumann said neither he nor Hosley had been contacted by new St. John's Head Coach Norm Roberts. He said he was sympathetic with Roberts' plight, and expects the new Red Storm staff to try and re-secure Hosley's commitment.
A New York City native who attended high school in Denver, Hosley orally committed to St. John's back in December. However, he has yet to sign a letter of intent.
Baumann said he wasn't sure what impact Roberts' hiring would have on Hosley or his family, or what reaction the St. John's staff/program might have to Hosley's academic plight.
The gifted 6-7 1/2, 210 pound small forward averaged 20.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game as a sophomore.
"He has a chance to be a pro if he puts on some weight," Baumann said. "He can defend, shoot it and handle it, but at times, he needs to play harder."
"He's as good a player as I've ever coached," he continued. "He has no glaring weaknesses, although he needs to become a better jumpshooter. He has the tools and skills, a lot of it will depend on physicality and strength."
Jon Gunn, a 6-5, 200 pound swingman from Denver via Atlanta, Ga., averaged 12.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this past season for Lamar.
"He's a big strong guard who can handle it," Baumann said. "He very effective inside of 18 feet, plus he can get to the basket and shoot off the dribble."
Gunn, who visited Georgia Southern in the fall, will take his next trip to Jacksonville State next weekend (Apr. 22-24).
Louisiana-Monroe, St. Francis, Nicholls State and Ft. Hays State are the other programs involved with Gunn this spring.
Torrey Phillips, a 5-9 point guard from Denver, has a slew of Division II programs courting him this spring. He became the Runnin' Lopes all-time assist leader this past season.
"Whatever Division II program signs him will be getting a heck of a player," Baumann said. "He reminds me of Earl Boykins in terms of his handle and scoring ability -- he's tough and he's a winner."
We'll wrap up this focus by looking at freshmen forwards Supo Jegede and Anderson Ferreira.
Jegede, a wiry 6-8 power forward from Aurora, Colo., averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, shooting 55 percent from the floor.
A transfer from Wyoming (where he red-shirted in 2002-2003), Jegede will need 12 hours in the summer to graduate. If he can achieve that, he could leave Lamar with three years of eligibility at the Division I level.
"Supo is a competitive kid, and with strength, he could be a real good player," Baumann said. "He's not being recruited at the level that he wants to, so there's a good chance he could come back for another year."
As good as Hosley is, the 6-9, 220 pound Ferreira drew strong praise for his play as a freshman in 2003-2004.
A native of Brazil, Ferriera is a finesse power forward, or combo forward, if you will.
Oklahoma State and Mississippi State were among a handful of Division I programs to show interest, but academic issues could force Ferreira to explore the D-II route or pro opportunities overseas.
"He can step out on the perimeter and run like a deer," Baumann explained. "Graduation will be an issue, because his English wasn't very good when he got here. He may wind up going overseas after his sophomore year."
JUCO Junction will stay abreast of the Lamar program, and should any new developments occur, we'll pass along the information in a story.