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Michigan State Basketball: Jaren Jackson Jr. showing flashes of stardom

By Connor Muldowney

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 29: Quade Green #0 of the boys east team shoots over Jaren Jackson Jr. #8 of the boys west team during the 2017 McDonalds's All American Game on March 29, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The West Team won 109-107. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 29: Quade Green #0 of the boys east team shoots over Jaren Jackson Jr. #8 of the boys west team during the 2017 McDonalds's All American Game on March 29, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The West Team won 109-107. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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After a couple of Moneyball Pro-Am games, Michigan State basketball freshman Jaren Jackson Jr. is showing flashes of future stardom.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is talented, there’s no question about that. Coming to Michigan State as a five-star recruit from one of the best prep schools, basketball-wise, in the nation, the freshman forward has the skill set to set him apart from just about everyone.

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On Thursday night during the Moneyball Pro-Am — his second game of the Pro-Am — Jackson Jr. showcased just about every aspect of his game. If one thing is for certain, he’s going to cause some havoc for opponents in the green and white.

First, he started things off with a put-back dunk, flashing the athleticism that everyone had heard so much about.

Then he peeled out on a breakaway, maybe a little early, and took an outlet pass to the rack for an easy dunk. On this play, he just looks like a man amongst boys.

Lastly, he drained a 3-pointer right in Miles Bridges’ face. Yes, you read that correctly.

Sure, Bridges’ defense on this play was a little relaxed, but it’s still impressive to see a kid the size of Jackson dribble, take a couple of steps back and drain a 3-pointer in the best player on the court’s face. If he can do this in live action this season, the Spartans are going to be scarier than any Izzo-coached team during his tenure.

The Hall of Fame head coach recruited Jackson Jr. because of his versatility and ability to do a little of everything. He can defend, block shots, run the floor, dribble well for a big, score in the post and make jumpers. It’s rare to see an basketball player who’s able to do everything these days.

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Jackson Jr.’s star is rising quickly and it’s becoming more evident the type of player he will be in East Lansing thanks to Moneyball. It’s looking more and more likely that he will be a one-and-done star at Michigan State.

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