In the recent NCP 2013 Boys Basketball Top 40, Rae Jackson of Rodriguez High was ranked No. 14. At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, Jackson has both the strength and speed to be an effective guard. The Mustangs are currently 16-7 and undefeated in league as Jackson has averaged 10 points, 2 assists, and 3 rebounds that included a game winning shot against league rival Bethel.
Jackson has that desired combination of speed and strength as he can run 4.70 seconds in the 40-yard dash, can bench press 185 pounds, squat 350 pounds, and has a vertical of 40 inches. He considers his game to be a blend of finesse slashing with the ability to go strong to the basket.
Jackson tries to combine the aspects of three NBA players to his game. He likes former Cal star Jason Kidd for his defense, vision of the court, and leadership. He models himself after Milwaukee Buck Brandon Jennings for his ability to create his own shot and scoring ability. He emulates Chicago Bull Derek Rose for his explosiveness to the bucket.
Jackson's best move is his transition from a cross over to the spin move that creates space to drive the lane or to take the jump shot. The move also causes the defender to be off guard. During his off time, he works on his dribbling, shooting, and conditioning. During this past summer, he worked hard on his defense as he wants to be a complete basketball player.
Jackson started playing basketball in the first grade in the CYO league at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Oakland. He was with Benicia High last year before transferring to Rodriguez High. Jackson has been a starter for the past two years.
Rodriguez High Coach Al Attles says, "Rae is an outstanding athlete with super physical abilities. He thrives on his ability to make plays attacking the basketball hoop. His size and strength allow him to make most of his shot attempts at a high percentage. In games, his shooting range extends past college 3pt line, but his midrange pull up is his best weapon when not finishing at the rim. Rae is a student of the game with a high basketball IQ. As well as finishing himself, he is a willing passer with great court vision. Rae is a high risk, high reward player. He is fearless and a competitor. He plays off his emotions and hates to lose. His natural position is a scoring guard, but he will take ball handling duties when needed."
Only a sophomore, Jackson has not had any official contact with any college. He likes the Pac-10 and west coast schools as he would like to stay in a warm climate area close to home. He can play in any basketball system but prefers to play in an up tempo transitional type offense. He wants the school to have a good support system for student athletes. During his free time, Jackson likes to cook and listen to music.
Coach Attles says, "Rae is quiet with a great sense of humor. He studies NBA players and works hard to hone his skills. He is a proverbial "gym rat." His favorite player is Monte Ellis. Rae is rated as the 10th best sophomore in NCAL by most rating services. I fully expect Rae to be offered a DI Scholarship. With growth and maturation, I see no limits to his potential."
As an athlete, Jackson knows what it means to go through serious injury. He had a serious elbow injury from football three years ago that required to have pins placed in it. He worked hard to rehabilitate his arm for basketball that year. In addition, he had an uncle who was murdered when Jackson was young. After overcoming that emotional obstacle, he has become a role model for his uncle's two sons who are Jackson's cousins.
Despite being only a sophomore, Jackson has the physical attributes and mental fortitude to be a major college prospect. He hopes that he can improve as an individual annually while leading his Mustangs in the playoffs. Rodriguez High looks to shine as it will benefit from its Rae of hope.
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