Growing up
in homeschool basketball I had the opportunity to watch a few really homeschool
players. Players like the Sanders boys,
Fosters, Wells, Kevin Johnson, Flatt’s and a few others were always fun to
watch (although you never wanted to play against them!) So, when I returned to the homeschool
coaching scene 4 years ago, I didn’t know what to expect or the landscape had
changed. Then I started hearing names
like “Chicken”, Jefferson, Spani, and one Justin Jackson. I remember the first thing I thought when I
saw Justin play for the first time – “That kid is supposed to be a major
college recruit?” That thought didn’t
last very long! After watching him play,
and seeing how the culture of our youth has changed in the last 10 years, I
began to wonder – “Is this kid a good example of homeschool basketball? Is he a good example of HCYA basketball?” Those wonders were also quickly answered.
I have spent
a lot of the last 3 years getting to know Justin Jackson. Not on a very personal level, but I follow
his activities as much as possible. What
I have come to know about Justin is this – He is humble young man, and his only
desire is to truly honor the Lord and put his absolute best on the floor for
his teammates and coaches. Sadly, this
is not something that you see in many of the best players today. Justin has truly shown himself to be the
model athlete for not only HCYA, but homeschool basketball as a whole. As he begins his last state tournament, I
would like to take a moment and highlight some of what Justin has done for
homeschool basketball.
Brought exposure to the game. Homeschool basketball has been blessed with
some awesome players in the past, but no one has come close to a talent like
Justin possesses. Many players, on both
HCYA and their opponents, have received exposure to schools that they never
would have without Justin. This is
excellent for the homeschool athlete!
There are great homeschool players out there, but sadly they don’t get
much exposure. Recruiters are now
learning that homeschool players have potential and they are starting to pay
more attention. Good for players now,
and in the future.
Demonstrated winning character
traits. Justin has been committed to
excellence for a long time now. He
understands that it takes discipline in his school, at home, and on the court
to exceed. He spends his time wisely,
listens to his parents, respects his coaches, and loves his teammates. Not only is he the ultimate player, but he is
the ultimate teammate.
Exhibited Christ-likeness
through the game. It’s guaranteed that
if you give praise to Justin, then he will give it right back to the Lord. He understands that The Lord has truly
blessed him, and that his continued success is because of God’s grace and
blessing. He never praises himself, but
gives God the glory for all the success he has enjoyed. Justin has shown that you can play at an
elite level and still keep the Lord #1 in your life.
The 2014
Texas State Homeschool Tournament represents the beginning of the end for the
best homeschool boy’s player the game has ever seen. As a coach, I’m excited that we won’t have to
go up against him again. As a fan
though, I have bitter-sweet emotions.
Justin has been terrific for the game, and helped take it to another
level. I am going to miss seeing him
play at these tournaments, but I will enjoy seeing him on ESPN in the coming
years! As I go through this weekend, I
will enjoy every game he plays. But, I will
also take the time to shake his hand and tell him “Thank you”.
I hope you
will do the same as well.
In Christ,
Coach CJ
