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Michigan State Basketball: Jaren Jackson Jr.’s short stint won’t be forgotten

By Connor Muldowney

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Xavier Tillman #23 and Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate during the second half against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Xavier Tillman #23 and Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate during the second half against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Although Jaren Jackson Jr. played just one season with Michigan State basketball,  his time in the green and white won’t soon be forgotten.

If you named the most naturally talented players in Michigan State history, Jaren Jackson Jr. would have to be part of the conversation, if not the headliner.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: Final player grades for 2017-18 season

The freshman from Carmel, Ind., came to Michigan State as a lanky big man with inside-out ability, but he seemed to be slightly raw. He worked hard on his game over the summer leading up to his freshman year and it led to the coaching staff inserting him into the starting lineup and opposing coaches and players raving about his abilities.

When the 2017-18 season ended abruptly with an upset loss to Syracuse in the round of 32, Jackson Jr. didn’t want to talk about the future. He was distraught over the loss in a year that Michigan State was supposed to be the national title favorite.

However, after a couple of weeks of thought and discussion with family and Tom Izzo, Jackson Jr. has announced his intention to forgo the final three years of his eligibility and enter the NBA draft.

Jackson Jr. wrote this heartfelt message on Twitter:

Although he played just one season for the Spartans which ended in a first-weekend exit in the NCAA Tournament, Jackson Jr.’s stint won’t soon be forgotten.

Sometimes one-and-dones are considered one-year rentals who don’t seem to enjoy the college experience and are only there to waste a year until NBA eligibility approaches. However, Jackson Jr. did not fit that same one-and-done mold. He, like Miles Bridges, enjoyed the college experience and seriously considered a return. He liked being a college student and treated his teammates and coaches like family and the fans, too.

Jackson Jr. won’t be forgotten for his impact off the court as well as his always upbeat attitude as well as his ferociousness on the court. That’s what will make him a lock for an NBA lottery pick.

Next: 5 reasons Nick Ward should return for junior year

Not only will Jackson Jr. be known as an athletic freak, likely the most naturally-talented player ever under Izzo, but a humble superstar with elite NBA ability. This is the kind of kid who can help a program’s image.

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