Top class of 2016 player strives to stay humble

THE LIST: Class of 2016 Top 35

When you are ranked No. 1 in your class nationally like sophomore Josh Jackson is, there can be a lot of pressure. There can also be a lot of people looking to get a piece of you in one way or another.

So far, the 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Detroit (Mich.) Consortium has handled the pressure of being No. 1 by not dwelling on it. He stays humble and doesn't look at himself any differently than other players. His approach at last weekend's USA Basketball Developmental camp showed that.

"Everybody is going to get better every time we come out here," Jackson told Rivals.com. "So when you go home you have to be working on your game and getting better to make sure you aren't left behind. It's fun competition, friendly competition. Sometimes it gets a little rough but a little competition is always fun."

According to Jackson, he's been shaking off the effects of an ankle sprain and last weekend in Colorado Springs was the first time he really got after it since the summer. Overall, he felt good about his play.

"My biggest development has been my jump shot and I've gotten stronger," said Jackson. "I think I get my credit for defense. Like last year whem I made the team it was pretty much because I was one of the best defenders."

Because of his injured ankle and determination to get healthy for USA Basketball, Jackson hasn't participated in many workouts this fall and the only school that has been in to see him is Michigan State. The Spartans have offered and Jackson listed Kentucky, Kansas, Duke, North Carolina, Indiana, Louisville and Michigan as having heavy early interest.

The No. 1 ranking, the college attention and everything else could be a recipe for getting a big head. Jackson is careful not to let it happen to him.

"I just keep my head and don't let it get too big," said Jackson. "I know that if I just stay humble and keep my grades up I can go anywhere that I want and that keeps me focused."

Currently, Jackson is in no rush to think about his college destination. He just knows that he'd eventually like to play with other great players on the college level.

"I'm going to take my time with it," said Jackson. "Other players that are going to a school and the coach will be really important. I want to play with other great players."

Eric Bossi is the national basketball recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.

Click Here to view this Link.

[rl]