Interview with Toledo All-Star Marreon Jackson
I recently had the opportunity to interview Toledo star Marreon Jackson. He is the most accomplished Toledo basketball player of all time, and one of the top guards in the MAC, if not the whole country. He is coming off his Junior season where he averaged 19.8 PPG, 5.4 APG, and 1.5 SPG. He led the Rockets to 17 wins and put them in a position to compete for a March Madness bid. He declared for the 2020 NBA Draft, but eventually decided to return for his Senior year for one main reason, to finish what he started and go to the NCAA Tournament.
What did your recruitment look like out of high school? What other schools were recruiting you heavily and what ultimately led you to choose Toledo?
I had about 20 offers coming out of high school. I can’t quite remember my entire list but I know a couple high majors and Toledo were the ones recruiting heavily. I chose Toledo because they were the most consistent in checking in on me and it made me feel at home. I didn’t go to the “bigger” name I went to where I was most wanted.
You came in and contributed right away as a freshman, averaging 30 minutes as a freshman. How were you able to earn that many minutes in your first year?
I earned my way by working hard in the off season and proving that I was capable of starting as a Freshman. I had great leaders like Treshaun Fletcher to look up to and he took me under his wing.
You improved quite a bit from your freshman season to your sophomore season, but the jump in production really occurred between your sophomore and junior seasons. What do you attribute that increase in performance to and how do you continue to consistently improve every year?
I knew coming into my junior year that I would have to take my game to a whole other level for us to win and despite me not having an off season because of my labrum surgery I still prepared my body, and my mind to take on that role. Soon as I was cleared from my shoulder I was in the gym 25/8. Getting advice from people I know at the pro level, watching film on great PGs etc.
You play in the MAC, which has been stacked with phenomenal guards in recent years such as Jayvon Graves, Justin Turner, Nike Sibande ,and Eugene German to name a few. What is your relationship to those guys and how does it drive you to keep improving.
Those are great guards but the only one I have a relationship with off the court is my guy Jayvon. Being able to compete against great guards only boost my level of play so I love it. I want all the smoke from whoever tbh with you.
After your Junior year, where you averaged almost 20 points per game and set a school record for threes in a season (99), you declared for the NBA draft. How did that process look during the COVID-19 pandemic and what was the best piece of feedback you received on your game?
Yeah unfortunately COVID-19 did mess up the workouts with teams that were interested so Instead of waiting I just decided to take my name out and wait til next season. But I did receive very uplifting feedback. The biggest thing that I have needed to work on is my explosive to the basket.
Why did you decide to return to Toledo for your Senior season?
I decided to return one because COVID-19 and two the way last season ended was terrible and left a sour taste in my mouth. We had just started to come along and were going to shut all the doubters’ mouths during the tourney. Unfinished business is really the word. I HAVE to get to the NCAA tourney before I leave Toledo. I owe myself, my coaches, and the city of Toledo that and I am going to get that done this upcoming year.
Your accolade list is large, but is there a certain award or record you have your eyes on this year?
POY
Finally, you, Turner, and Graves are all returning for another year after testing the NBA Draft pool. What are your goals for this upcoming season and what can we expect from the MAC?
Making it to the big Dance is the only thing that I’m concerned with and the MAC is dangerous. If you get the right time to make it to the tourney there will be some upsets.
Big Shoutout to my guy Merron for doing the interview with me. I will definitely be in tune with him this upcoming season.