Onaje “OJ” Jackson 6’4, 175 2021 Grafton High School, Grafton VA
Grafton 6’4 sophomore Onaje “OJ” Jackson is oozing with potential! He is going to be an impact player before his sophomore season is done. He has very good length and will get taller! He has a strong frame providing a solid foundation to add weight and muscle, and is agile, sound footwork. He is super athletic, has long rangy strides and graceful movements around the court showing excellent body control, power and quick reactions. He is bouncy and elevates off the floor quickly and seamlessly with a good deal of explosiveness. Much of OJ’s work for now is done around the rim where he has good timing for rebounds and blocked shots and offensively a nice touch for stick backs and finishes around the rim. He has a developing jumper with good mechanics and some range and also has shown the potential to handle the ball adequately and attack the basket with the dribble effectively. It’s obvious in watching him execute various perimeter moves with the dribble and shot making potential that he has a budding perimeter skill set and will eventually transition that way. On the defensive end he does the little things around the rim to gain an advantage. He boxes out regularly, stays active, he is always jockeying for position defensively showing persistence and great energy. He’s strong and uses leverage and has explosive lift and goof repeat jumping ability. He has good instincts and reaction in passing lanes and can get a steal and go coast to coast! OJ has a great feel and is a tireless and determined worker always looking to develop his skills. He competes with confidence and energy; he’s a great teammate and a likable young man who is a constant voice of support from the bench when not in the game. I’m anxious to watch his continued growth; he’s going to be a game changing presence for Grafton and has all the tools and intangibles for success beyond high school. He will very likely blossom into a solid recruiting target.
Grafton High School Coach Jeremy Jordan is one of the 757’s winningest coaches during his tenure. He has this to say about OJ Jackson: “OJ had a terrific summer/fall and has a good presence for the basketball; he rebounds the ball well and is a good athlete. He finishes well with both hands around the basket and plays with toughness! He figures to play a big role for us this coming season. He’s a gym rat and loves to work on his game.”