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Highland • Ba-da-ba-ba-ba, Frank Jackson is lovin' it. The Lone Peak senior guard is set to be announced as Utah's first McDonald's All-American since 2000, The Tribune has learned.
"To be honest: two, three years ago I never thought this would ever happen. It's a dream come true," said Jackson as he prepared to travel home from the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass.
The official announcement will air live on ESPNU on Sunday evening. The Selection Show is scheduled for 8:30 p.m., with the actual announcement shortly thereafter. Jackson was one of 755 nominees (326 boys, four from Utah) from 48 states. The All-American Game, featuring the nation's top 24 players, will be broadcasted on ESPN at 7 p.m. on March 30 from the United Center in Chicago.
"It means the world to me. I'm definitely super happy about it," Jackson said. "I know I've come a long way with all the support I've had from my teammates. They put their trust in me. I know it's a lot to ask from them, but I think without them it wouldn't be possible."
Jackson is the first local prep to be recognized in high school basketball's most prestigious event since Brighton's Garner Meads joined the elite team in 2000. Murray's Britton Johnsen (1997), Emery's Shawn Bradley (1990), Provo's Devin Durrant (1978) and Skyline's Danny Vranes (1977) complete Utah's all-time presence in the McDonald's All-American Game, which originated in 1977.
"I think, for him, every milestone keeps getting higher and higher," said Jackson's AAU coach Tim Davis. "This is the thing I know he really, really wanted, so it makes me really happy. I'm really proud of him. The work he's put in and how he's handled himself. When you don't want to keep playing basketball because it's your whole summer — he just keeps doing it because he has other goals in mind."
Jackson is considered a five-star prospect by every major recruiting outlet. Rivals lists Jackson as the No. 10 overall prospect in the nation; 247Sports ranks him No. 13; ESPN at No. 14; and Scout at No. 17. Signed to play at Duke, Jackson is averaging 28.5 points per game for the top-ranked Knights (10-3), who have yet to lose to an in-state opponent.
Jackson, who is arguably the most decorated recruit in state history, said he wants to represent Utah to the nation on the biggest stage.
"I love Utah, and I want to let people know there's talent out here and we can compete at every level," Jackson said.
Twitter: @trevorphibbs —
• Lone Peak guard Frank Jackson continued his ascent as the most decorated recruit in the state of Utah's history with yet another milestone. He will become the sixth local player to be announced as a McDonald's All-American, and the first since 2000.
• Jackson is committed to Duke and ranked as a five-star prospect by every major recruiting outlet.
• He is averaging 28.5 points per game for the top-ranked Knights, who have yet to lose to an in-state opponent.