Jackson sets Big Strick Classic record with 50-point performance
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
BRONX, NY – For years, fans inside Gauchos gym can appreciate good basketball a even better individual performances. They were treated to both on Saturday.
Team USA, comprised of some of the top players around the country, beat Team NYC 159-137 in the Big Strick Classic, the name dedicated to John “The Franchise” Strickland, who was a streetball legend. This is the events third year and it already has a new individual scoring leader – Josh Jackson.
The Detroit native single-handedly carried the USA squad on his back with a Big Strick record of 50 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block.
“It’s my first time playing in this event and I really like it and I wish that I could play again,” the senior shooting guard said. “I came out here and made the best of it.”
Jackson did more than make the best of his appearance in New York City. He left his mark.
Everyone one in attendance marveled at his second-half performance. Jackson knocked down three-pointers, mid-range jumpers and put down thunderous dunks for 39 second-half points. Late in the fourth quarter, he broke the single-game mark with a fade away jumper before nailing a 3-pointer for an even fifty.
After the game, players from both teams seemed somewhat stunned by his performance, while fans lined up to take pictures with the five-star recruit. The 6-foot-8 highly sought after prospect humbly soaked in the attention before discussing recruiting.
“Things are going slow in my recruiting process,” Jackson said. “I’m not leaning towards any schools right now but within a month or two, I will be ready to choose a school.”
The Big Strick Classic overall MVP has narrowed his choices to Villanova, Arizona, Maryland, Michigan State, Kansas, Duke, Kentucky, UNLV and UCLA. And what is Jackson looking for in a program?
“A great coach and a great environment. I want to play with great teammates and a coach that will push me and not kiss my butt.”
While Jackson stole the show, there were some other performances that needed to be discussed. Billy Preston added 28 points in the win to earn the Team USA MVP award. Teammate Edrice “Bam” Adebayo poured in a dominating 24 points. He also won the dunk contest before the game. Gary Trent Jr., a 2017 prospect, scored 15 points in the win as well.
Earlier on, it looked like Team NYC was going to keep the title at home, especially the way Myles Powell came out of the gate.
The South Kent (Conn.) guard, who won the 3-point contest, went on a quick scoring tear in the first-half. He knocked down shots from every angle during the game creating a buzz. His 28 points, including six three’s, was not enough to overcome Jackson’s performance. He did win the MVP award for Team NYC along with Trevon Duval, who finished with 20 points. Hamadou Diallo added 14. Mustapha Heron chipped in with 10 points.
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.