I was feeling optomistic when I promised a tune if we kept Manny, Kelvin and Legion. I haven't given up hope yet. I'm not feeling quite as confident now after Legion has been formally released from his LOI. Alex, it's really a good tune, you may want to hear it.
Not that anyone didn't already know, but Jackson's importance to Legion and Harris are verified here. Legion's mother says:Legion’s mother, Annette Williams, said today that Beilein told her in their meeting last week that Jackson was returning, and she said that was a major factor for her son, who is still considering whether to attend U-M.
A combination of a gameplan that fits Legion perfectly, and an assistant he likes who talks glowingly about Beilein gives us, in my estimation, a great shot to get Legion at lease. Let's not lose track of the statements that Manny wants to be near home.
Michael (Mike) Jackson returns to the UM. This is a very good move by Beilein and Michigan. It may also help keep Legion and Harris in the fold. Jackson was a key recruiter, with long time Detroit connections. "I am thrilled to have Mike Jackson rejoin the Michigan Basketball staff," said Beilein. "I did a lot of research in the days since I was hired and there is no doubt Mike is a tremendous fit for the future of this program. His experience and connections with and around this program will only be a plus for us as we get set to move forward."
While you can't blame Jackson for departing without any promises from the athletic department or idea of whom it would eventually hire, this is a terrific opportunity for him to learn under a great coach. As Jackson stated to Mgoblue.com:"This was a great opportunity for my family and I to stay in Michigan," said Jackson. "To be able to learn and work with a coach like John Beilein, I have no doubt it will be a wonderful experience
Jackson not only has local connections but appears to an excellent recruiter even outside of the immediate geographical area, and was largely responsible for Udoh's commitment. according to Scout:
"Then I had started looking back and some of my notes that I wrote down on my visit. I had prayed about what I was going to do I felt like god was not going to steer me wrong. So then about two weeks ago… I believe it was on April 29 at around 3 am…. in the morning I sent Coach Mike Jackson a text message. In my text message I told him I was coming to Michigan.Michigan SportsCenter has some good info on rumors which were circulating on the message boards, and also a statement from a player before the rumor became official.
Michael Jackson has left the UM for Illinois State. Would have been nice to keep him around, but you can't blame him for wanting to know whether he would be retained by the new coach. Nor can you fault the UM for not committing to his retention without knowing who the next head coach will want to retain. Probably Michigan's best recruiter, Mike Jackson (Michael Jackson as known while point guard at UDM) has great Detroit connections. Good luck to Jackson, and perhaps he will find his way back to A2 in the next couple of years as an assistant. When and if he comes, back, the timing might be right as a replacment for Kruger or Bielein, especially if he's as big as this Michael Jackson!
Good Luck coach Jackson.
Our assistant coaches like Georgetown to win the final four. After getting blown out by both UCLA and G'Town (and losing to OSU twice) they do have some experience. A telling quote from Mike Jackson:
"I've always really liked Georgetown," said Mike Jackson, who will coach at Illinois State next season. "I like everything about Roy Hibbert and Jeff Green. They're a really good team and really well coached."
Unlike your former team, right?
