You see the guys who’ve played in this game – LeBron, Kobe, Jordan – it doesn’t get any better. I’ve still got a long way to go. …It’s unbelievable. – Frank Jackson
HIGHLAND — Frank Jackson slipped the black and orange jersey over his head as his Lone Peak teammates applauded, his classmates cheered and his parents beamed.
For the sixth time in Utah history, a prep athlete was named a McDonald’s All-American and invited to play in the annual basketball game that features the country’s top 24 players. Jackson is the fifth male player to earn the honor, and he said it is still a bit surreal for him.
“It means the world,” he said of the honor that he shares with some of the NBA’s best players. “You see the guys who’ve played in this game — LeBron, Kobe, Jordan — it doesn’t get any better. I’ve still got a long way to go. … It’s unbelievable.”
The 6-foot-3 shooting guard, who is committed to play for Duke, is the first Utah prep player chosen since Mountain View’s Michelle Harrison became the first female prep to earn the honor in 2006. Before that it was Brighton’s Garner Meads (2000), Murray’s Britton Johnsen (1997), Emery’s Shawn Bradley (1990), Provo’s Devin Durrant (1978) and Skyline’s Danny Vranes (1977).
The game will be played on March 30 in Chicago and will be televised.
Jackson accepted the jersey and hat from McDonald’s representatives and then talked for a few minutes to the very excited student body that packed the school’s gymnasium to celebrate the honor.
“For sure each of us is different, and we each have our different contribution to make,” he said. “The point is we all have something we can contribute to build others and make our world better. God has blessed me with some basketball skills and many, many people have helped me to be the player I am today. And most importantly, the young man I am.”
He thanked his AAU basketball coach Tim Davis, other coaches like Paul Peterson and former Lone Peak coach, as well as current Lone Peak head coach David Evans. He thanked his three sisters and his parents, as well as Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
“And of course my teammates,” he said to cheers, “a bunch of goons. I love them with all my heart. It’s been a good journey.”
Al Jackson said watching his son be recognized as one of the country’s best is a gratifying experience.
“It’s so cool,” he said. “It’s every dad’s dream to see their kid excel at whatever they do. And he’s really done a great job. The fact that he’s going to Duke, is a McDonald’s All-American, it’s the culmination of a lot of hard work that he’s put in. For him, it’s only the beginning.”
Al Jackson said the accolades and honors will only fuel his son’s desire to win a state title with his high school teammates.
“I think he’s even more determined now,” his father said. “He actually relishes the pressure, which is unusual for a kid his age. He plays the best when the spotlight is on; when the stakes are highest, he wants the ball and he wants to play.”
Frank Jackson said he’s more excited than nervous to compete on the national stage against the country’s best high school seniors.
“I know most of those kids,” Jackson said. “I’ve played against those kids in the summertime. I’ve had so much support from my family and friends, and the man above, it’s just a surreal experience. I just can’t wait to get out there in a couple of weeks and play.”
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