Tray Jackson
6-8 215 LBS Detroit, MI
Sunrise Christian Academy
Stats
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4593010/tray-jackson
Video highlights
The journey long traveled. And we're only profiling a rising transfer sophomore.
Hours after backing off from his pledge to Minnesota, four-star forward Tray Jackson announced his commitment to Missouri eventually signing a NLOI November 14, 2018. The 6-foot-8 forward also considered the Seton Hall Pirates out of the Big East. Jackson, who played for Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, hails from Michigan and was the first recruit assistant coach Cornell Mann landed from his home state.
Seemed like a match made in heaven. Local star stays home to play in front of friends and family, But dreams are not always realized and the vision of staring on the court turned to the cruel reality of playing sparse minutes (8.1 MPG) with little production (2.9 PPG).
What went wrong? How could such a home grown talent struggle so mightily in making an impact on a decidedly mediocre 16-17 Missouri team?
Opinions seemed in step.
Sam Snelling, site manager of Missouri Basketball SB Nation noted... "Jackson, even coming into this year, was known for having tantalizing talent but a questionable motor. I had hoped that a coach who demanded effort the way (Counzo) Martin does would be a good remedy. It ended up never quite mixing the way you’d hope", while questioning Jackson efforts in practice. Clearly formed from his association with the Missouri coaching staff.
Lead writer, Matt Harris added, "Even as I lobbied for Tray to get some extended minutes, you could spot the reasons why Martin hesitated to offer them. At times, he looked lost trying to keep tabs on his man and stay sound in MU’s defensive shell." Questioning not the effort but the defensive execution.
Finally, Josh Matejka editor agreed adding "Certainly it can’t have been the offense, right? After all, Jackson was one of the most purely gifted offensive players on the roster. But what really did Jackson in was his defense."
Now understand that these critiques while possibly accurate must be weighed by the fact that said publication most certainly has a very strong relationship with Martin, head coach of the Tigers basketball team.
In fact a anonymous source close to the team texted this reporter that it was more the way Missouri used Jackson than the excuses given about his play on the court.
The truth? Probably somewhere in between. But regardless, the above issues led to an announcement two short days ago that Jackson would be transferring to Seton Hall, one of his final three choices when deciding on his original college destination. A choice predicted only by our own Tyler Cavaruso of 247/Sports and the Trove. https://247sports.com/PlayerInstitu...239025/CurrentTransferInstitutionPredictions/
The future? That remains to be seen. As it stands now Jackson must sit out the mandatory one year period as dictated by NCAA regulations. But that could change as soon as next month when a proposed waiver that would allow all athletes to transfer once without being required to sit out for a season at their new school will be voted on by the NCAA Division I Council on May 20.
If said vote is passed, a possibility, Jackson and his new head coach, Kevin Willard will have a decision to make. Play the talented but raw Jackson immediately, or sit him out as originally planned and have him work on his game with big man coach Grant Billmeier and Willard, who is well known for his player-development during a transfer's sit out year. A recent strategy that has worked well for both PG Quincy McKnight and C Romaro Gill. To the tune of each being honored on the first team All Haggerty squad this past season.
Whatever decision is made one thing is sure. the Pirates have a power player with tantalizing athleticism and potential. a player who has the ability if honed with the proper work ethic to someday reach the heights that McKnight and Gill reached. Heights that led the Pirates to their first regular season Big East crown (tied with Creighton and Villanova) since the days of Terry Dehere, Jerry Walker and legendary coach, PJ Carlesimo.
Surely a goal distant at this time. But then again the same could have been said years ago when 'Q' and Ro decided to complete their college eligibility in South Orange NJ.
https://setonhall.rivals.com/
