Michigan targeting Purdue Fort Wayne guard Jalen Jackson in transfer portal

Michigan men’s basketball is readying for a Sweet 16 matchup with Auburn in the NCAA tournament Friday (March 28), but it’s never too early to look ahead in the current landscape of college athletics. The transfer portal officially opened Monday, and the Wolverines have reportedly shown interest in former Purdue Fort Wayne point guard Jalen Jackson.

Michigan hosted the Mastodons on Dec. 22, and Jackson led all scorers with 27 points.

Transfer Portal: Michigan interested in Purdue Fort Wayne guard Jalen Jackson

With the departure of freshman guard Justin Pippen, the Wolverines could use another guard next season. Michigan won’t lose much in terms of youth, as it still has freshman guards LJ Cason and Phat Phat Brooks on the roster.

New: Report: Michigan guard Justin Pippen planning to enter transfer portal

Cason has played double-digit minutes in eight of the past ten games, and he put up 11 points and three assists in the win over Texas A&M Saturday. Additionally, junior guards Tre Donaldson and Roddy Gayle Jr. could return next year, and the Wolverines are bringing in a five-star guard in Trey McKenney.

Jackson started 67 games for Purdue Fort Wayne over the past two seasons. As a freshman at the University of Illinois Chicago, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound guard started 14 games and appeared in 30.

Player Analysis

In two seasons with Purdue Fort Wayne, Jackson averaged over 17 points per game on 49 percent shooting from the field. Jackson led the Horizon League in points and free throw attempts this season, as he put up 19.2 points per game and attempted 6.5 free throws per contest.

Per On3 ($), see below for what Jackson had to say about his style of play.

“I’m physical and very competitive,” Jackson said. “Whatever it takes to win. I want to get better each day, and I’m an ultra-competitor. I never want to hear anyone say that I was outworked.”

Jackson is a crafty finisher with the ability to fight through contact or avoid it. He said he wants to play in a way that doesn’t limit him.

More: Michigan basketball falls to Notre Dame in second round of NCAA tournament

“I want to play in a free-flowing offense,” Jackson said. “And play for a coach that is going to develop me, and take care of me, not just be another player on the roster. I want to have a trusting relationship with the coach. I’m a point guard, so I’m kind of an extension of the coach on the floor, so I got to have that relationship. And play for a coach who trusts me.”

Jackson has also reportedly heard from “Nebraska, Butler, TCU, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Tennessee and some others”.

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