Tyler “Hype” Jackson is a Baltimore phenom and the number 1 point guard prospect in the class of 2025. Hailing from St. Frances Academy, he is garnering attention as one of the best guards in the nation, and for good reason. Playing alongside two high major wings Jahnathan LaMothe (Maryland) and Carlton Carrington (Pitt) last season, Jackson was often the finest player on the floor as a sophomore.
More importantly, Jackson’s demeanor and behavior are truly commendable, especially considering his status as a top 10 prospect in his class. It is evident that his family, particularly his mother Ro’Shelle and Aunt Kimberly, have instilled in him values of respect, humility, and dignity. Their influence on him is clearly reflected in the way he carries himself both on and off the court.
The absence of arrogance and entitlement in a young athlete of his caliber is a refreshing departure from the stereotype often associated with elite urban athletes. Jackson’s embodiment of a throwback scholar-athlete highlights his dedication not only to his athletic pursuits but also to his academic endeavors.
His ability to remain unfailingly polite and respectful while being in the limelight is a testament to his character and the strong foundation laid by his family. Such qualities not only make him a standout athlete but also a positive role model for aspiring young athletes.
In a sports world where some individuals may succumb to the pressures of fame and success, Jackson stands as a shining example of how one can achieve greatness while maintaining humility and a strong sense of responsibility. His approach to life and sports serves as an inspiration to others, emphasizing the importance of integrity, hard work, and maintaining a sense of perspective regardless of one’s achievements.
Jackson’s unique combination and maturity and breathtaking basketball skills have made him a highly desired prospect. Not yet an 11th grader, he has offers from Kentucky, LSU, Alabama and Mississippi State in the SEC. Big 10 offers have come in from Maryland, Illinois, Rutgers and Penn State. His ACC offers include Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Syracuse. DePaul and Seton Hall have come calling from the Big East. The Big 12 is represented by Kansas and Houston. These are just some of the scholarship offers Jackson is sorting through.
On the court, he has proven himself a worthy successor to the legendary Panther point guard Adrian “Ace” Baldwin (VCU/Penn State). Jackson is already displaying impressive physical attributes and highly advanced basketball skills. Standing at around 6’3″ with a wingspan measuring 6’6.5″, he possesses a great combination of size and length for a point guard. His athleticism is exceptional, with remarkable speed and quickness that sets him apart from his peers. Fiercely competitive, he plays his best in big games with everything on the line. He willed his Team Thrill 16U squad to the UAA Championship a few weeks ago.
Jackson consistently gets buckets in bunches. In one weekend on he EYBL this summer, he averaged over 30 ppg against elite competition. Plainly stated, his scoring ability is nothing short of extraordinary. With an explosive first step, he can blow past defenders from a standstill position or off the dribble. His ability to change speeds effortlessly makes him very elusive and extremely difficult to guard man to man. In transition, he is an absolute blur with the ball, racing past opponents to finish above the rim regularly. Jackson will bang it on bigger men. Moreover, his tight handle and variety of dribble moves allow him to break down defenders and get to the rim at will.
While his 3-point jumper is still a work in progress, Jackson is already a highly proficient mid-range shooter off the dribble. His mechanics are sound, and he gets good elevation, allowing him to release the ball high, which bodes well for future development. With continued practice and refinement, his 3-point shooting range and consistency will improve over time.
As a point guard, Jackson has outstanding potential as a playmaker. He possesses excellent court vision and an ability to see over the top of defenses due to his height. He keeps his head up in transition, leading to accurate passes to teammates on the move. He is already possesses an elite understanding of how to attack in the pick-and-roll and in isolation situations. He consistently creates solid scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Defensively, Jackson is already displaying a high level of potential. His lateral quickness, length, and instincts make him a disruptive force on the defensive end. He is quick to anticipate passing lanes and uses his active hands to force turnovers. Moreover, his ability to pressure full court and stay engaged off the ball showcases his commitment to making an impact on both ends of the floor.
While Tyler Jackson is already an exceptional young talent, there are areas he can further develop. Playing in the nationally renowned St. Frances Academy program, for Coach Nick Myles, the sky is the limit when it comes to his development over next 24 months. Improving his shooting consistency, especially from beyond the arc, will make him an even more lethal offensive threat. Additionally, continued growth as a decision-maker and honing his defensive techniques will elevate his game to new heights.
Overall, Tyler Jackson is a “SupaHighMajah” point guard prospect. With his size, athleticism, scoring ability, and playmaking skills, he has the potential to become one of the most exciting and dominant point guards of his generation. As he continues to refine his game and mature physically, expect to see him make waves on the national stage for the next two years at St. Frances and and contribute immediately in college and beyond.