Busting Brackets
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Michigan Basketball: Breaking down the 2020 recruiting class

By Lukas Harkins

COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 28: The Michigan Wolverines logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on December 28, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 28: The Michigan Wolverines logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on December 28, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
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FORT MYERS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 19: Jackson of Montverde Academy. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 19: Jackson of Montverde Academy. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Zeb Jackson – Maumee, OH

SG | 6-foot-2 | 160 lbs | No. 78 overall

Zeb Jackson was the first commit in Michigan’s 2020 class as he made his decision all the way back when John Beilein was the head coach of the program. As a result, he has become a bit of a “forgotten man” in this group but that won’t be the case when he takes the court next season. Jackson is a clear-cut Top 100 player in the class with a high ceiling. While he is more of a scorer than a playmaker, he can spend time at the point guard slot if necessary.

Jackson will be heading to Ann Arbor after ending his high school career at Montverde Academy. He had previously played three years at Maumee Valley Country Day but made the move to Florida to gain experience in a college-like situation. The move allowed him the opportunity to grow accustomed to living away from home while also practicing/playing with/against some of the best players in the country on a loaded Monteverde roster.

With regard to his playing style, Jackson is a smooth-scoring lefty guard with the ability to create for himself at all three levels with crafty ball-handling and a nice floater. He is also an effortless athlete with the ability to sky above the rim. On the defensive end of the floor, Jackson uses his impressively long arms to wreak havoc on the perimeter. He moves his feet well and can be quite disruptive in passing lanes.

He fits the mold of someone that should be able to immediately make an impact on both ends of the floor. He has room to improve as a playmaker before being able to transition to being a point guard but there should be no doubt about his abilities as a scorer and defender. He is also regarded as an excellent student by several outlets.

Michigan should boast an elite frontcourt during this coming season but is lacking in the backcourt. Mike Smith and Eli Brooks look poised to hold down the starting spots but there is no true depth behind them. That will open the door for Zeb Jackson to immediately play significant minutes in the backcourt as a true freshman. While he isn’t quite the highest-rated newcomer joining the program, Jackson could be the most important in Year 1.

If Jackson is able to quickly adjust to the speed of the college game and learn how to make an impact off the bench, then the Wolverines could be poised for another strong season. A lot of their hopes are resting on the first-year guard to at least be a reliable reserve. He will likely then be a three-year starter following the graduations of Brooks/Smith following the campaign.

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