LAWRENCE — Kansas men’s basketball got its third public commitment for its 2023 recruiting class on Saturday when Elmarko Jackson announced his decision to play for the Jayhawks.
Jackson is a four-star point guard for 247Sports Composite from Connecticut. He is ranked 35th nationally and seventh in his position. He chose Kansas from a list of finalists including Miami, Notre Dame, Texas and Villanova.
“I mean, when it comes to Kansas, it’s pretty tough to beat,” Jackson said during a live announcement with 247Sports. “The coaching staff is great. The track record is excellent. Coach (Bill) Self and his staff are top of the line when it comes to coaching across the country. And, for me, going to college, I don’t want to be that guy who averages 30 for a losing team. I prefer to be a guy who contributes…precious minutes and helps a team win.
Jackson joins a recruiting class for the Jayhawks that already includes four-star combo guard Chris Johnson and four-star shooting guard Jamari McDowell. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, Jackson brings size to this area of the floor. While it’s too early to predict what kind of role he’ll have in his first season on campus, given that the roster may look very different a year from now, his status suggests he has a chance to compete for a spot. in rotation right away.
Eric Bossi, 247Sports National Basketball Director, highlighted Jackson’s maturity and physical approach to the game. Bossi noted that Jackson can lead by example and with his words. The jump shot, Bossi added, will come with time.
“In the short term, as a rookie, I have the opportunity to earn a starting spot and gain valuable minutes and help an already great team become even better,” Jackson said. “So long term to be part of this Jayhawk family. When the guys come back, they show love to their families and their players. When I came back, they brought back players and it’s a real family where they love and take care of each other.
Jackson’s engagement came a day before Kansas’ annual Late Night in the Phog event. The Jayhawks were already set to unveil their national championship banner, after what they accomplished last season. So the mood around the Kansas night has improved a bit.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas athletics at the Topeka Capital-Journal. Reach him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.