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Grabbing the top talent is the duh, and obvious approach to recruiting, and Tim Floyd did just that by grabbing one the top guards from the state of Michigan.
Not only did Floyd grab the best player out of Louisiana (Trey Touche), and Oklahoma (Omega Harris), but four-star guard Mar'Qywell Jackson is in the top five or four of 2014 players in Michigan depending on who you ask.
Hoop Scoop had Jackson as the 53rd overall prospect in the country, thanks to his three-time All-State honors, and ability in the open floor.
Jackson says it wasn't the UTEP coaches who talked him into coming to UTEP, but UTEP's Vince Hunter, and Matt Wilms, who were all former AAU teammates for the Detroit Stars played huge roles in his recruitment and ultimate decision.
As a typical Tim Floyd guard, lengthy with a huge wingspan, speed in the open floor, and ability to guard multiple positions, Jackson looks to be a wildcard of the scoring department off the Miners bench this season, while learning to adjust to the half court game.
There is no doubt Jackson is spectacular in the open floor, with his ability to score, and create transition off turnovers, and pressure, but the key for minutes as a freshman maybe dictated on how well he can play in the half court.
He shows great spot up shooting form, but what impresses me the most is how quick he is off the dribble, and can finish strong, or with touch. Another versatile guard that can play the point, off guard or even play forward, and the only question yet to be seen is his ability to distribute, and create offense for others at this level.
Jackson was one of only two seniors on his high school team last year, and almost averaged a double-double in the process. I really like the focus and court vision he has with the ball, I think his next step is sharpening his basketball IQ, and learning to adjust into a new system. His focus and overall character also tell me he could be a team leader down the road as well.
A number of Big Ten schools showed interest, as did Arizona, but the Miners grabbed a guy who will definitely be a starter by next season, and years to come.