Jackson Hicks Recruiting (2018)
Jackson Hicks (Oakdale) made a splash statewide March 14th pulling up with a 25 foot buzzer-beating jumper. Oakdale needed all three points to force overtime against North Greene High.
The Huskies of NGHS buried Hicks’ team in the extra session, 82-72.
In one of the biggest games of his career, Hicks poured in 33 points on an astonishing 65.0% (13-20) from the field. The senior gave six steals and six rebounds while fighting for placement in the Class A state semifinal. The remarkable, oddly predictable performance by Jackson Hicks was not enough.
It did catch the attention of @PrepHoopsTN and more importantly college coaches.
Resume
Hicks earned Class A Mr. Basketball Finalist alongside Caden Mills (Van Buren County) and Arecko Gipson Jr. (M.A.S.E.). Mills won the award after a sparkling career during which he recorded over 3,000 career points.
Of the three players only Caden Mills is locked in to a college for 2018-2019. Mills signed with Tennessee Tech. Midway through the season Jackson Hicks surpassed 1,500 career points. Beyond personal success, Hicks was a driving force behind Oakdale’s first ever state tournament appearance. Further, Hicks and the Eagles of Oakdale won both the District 3 and Region 2 Championships.
Where is unsigned Jackson Hicks looking?
Recruitment
Friday Jackson Hicks takes a visit to King University (TN), a program led by Head Coach George Pitts.
About ten years ago King University made a wildly successful transition from NAIA to Division II. The stable coaching leadership of former Science Hill and Brentwood Academy Coach Pitts proved integral.
Pitts spent five years at Brentwood Academy and led the Eagles to four state titles. He helped BA become the only boys’ basketball team to win four consecutive state championships in Tennessee Secondary School Athletics Association (TSSAA) history. Of course, Brentwood Academy equaled the monumental feat again last month. Pitts led the Eagles to state titles in straight seasons between 2003 and 2006. The second four-peat spanned 2015 to 2018.
Visits always carry significant weight in ultimate decisions. From the outside it seems the visit would have to be spectacular to invoke an immediate college selection.
Interviewed Thursday (4/12) evening, Jackson Hicks tagged “the end of May, first of June” as his target decision window.
As it stands Jackson Hicks is still open to new offers or opportunities. He does have heavy interest and repeated interactions with Roane State Head Coach and fixture Randy Nesbit, Alice Lloyd College Assistant Coach Jevon Honeycutt, and Bryan College Assistant Coach Bryon Lawhon.
For what it is worth Alice Lloyd’s program is almost entirely composed of Kentucky-raised players while Bryan College is predominately Tennessee-raised players. Include King University and Jackson Hicks currently boasts four quality options.
Other colleges have time to get in, but Hicks has entered the visiting phase.
“I’m looking for a program with a family atmosphere,” said Jackson Hicks. (And) the opportunity to learn more about the next level.”
Hicks’ skills are easy to admire, but not every Class A player in Tennessee gets the full evaluation they deserve. A compilation of Hicks’ senior season resides below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsowY3roCAc
Too often players and families overlook the most glaring mission of a college basketball search…fit. Fit is everything. Is the school you picked a place where you can foresee meaningful friendships or relationships sprouting? Would you feel comfortable attending the school if basketball ended and you were no longer playing? If the coach left would you still be engaged in the basketball program? Are you uncomfortable going far away from your family and support system for the next 4-5 years? Does this school set you up for the life you want to live when you get to 25 years old?
The tough questions can take the longest to answer. Or they can be easy to answer once you dare ask them.
If you are interested in playing college basketball, but still don’t have the offers or looks you want DM @PrepHoopsTN anytime.