NCAA Basketball: Ranking top 7 teams for five-star PG Elmarko Jackson

Apr 2, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Collin Gillespie (2) reacts after a play against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half during the 2022 NCAA men's basketball tournament Final Four semifinals at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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University of Miami guard Isaiah Wong Syndication The Greenville News /

6. Miami Hurricanes

The Hurricanes starting backcourt of Isaiah Wong and Kansas State transfer Nijel Pack will be very good for the next season. Wong is entering his senior season, while Pack is an underrated NBA Draft prospect if he can improve his passing. Assuming Wong is gone, this is a scenario where Jackson could come in and play next to Pack for a year here.

The concern is that compared to the other options on this list, Miami will not be as talented once Wong leaves. And while the program has been involved with NIL, there’s a chance that it’ll get scaled back, according to mega booster John Ruiz. Jackson is good enough to make the Hurricanes interesting but would need other recruits/transfers to follow in order to be a true March Madness contender.

5. Texas Longhorns

While the offensive system has been called into question at Texas, Jackson’s playstyle would be a little better fit there. So would his defense, which remains the calling card on the program. 5th-year senior Marcus Carr will be gone after next season and both Iowa State transfer Tyrese Hunter and incoming five-star freshman guard Arterio Morris could be off to the NBA Draft.

That being said, there’s a chance that both guards are back and very likely at least one is. That would mean that Jackson would have to share the backcourt at Texas most likely on an offense that may not allow him to showcase his offensive abilities. If he wants to be the clear lead guard, he’d have to wait a while to do that with the Longhorns.

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