Vance Jackson to UConn: Huskies Land 4-Star SF Prospect

Vance Jackson, a 4-star small forward recruit from St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, announced Friday that he will play college basketball for the Connecticut Huskies.

ESPN.com's Jeff Borzello reported the news of Jackson's decision and provided a breakdown of the Huskies' incoming class:

According to 247Sports' composite rankings, Jackson is the No. 10 small forward prospect in the 2016 class and the 51st-best player overall. Standing at 6'8" and tipping the scales at 220 pounds, Jackson should focus on hitting the weight room as he continues his promising development.

Provided the Huskies place an emphasis on Jackson bulking up, he has the upside to eclipse his 4-star label.

Jackson has tremendous shooting range and can tear it up from beyond the arc. As effective as he can be as a small forward, there's a chance UConn could slide Jackson over to be a stretch 4, where he'd be quicker and more capable of asserting his will on the perimeter against almost any opponent.

However, Jackson struggles to establish himself down low because of his slender build. He isn't the most explosive athlete, either, which will make defending other small forwards a challenge at the NCAA level.

If he can procure a more diverse offensive arsenal and be more attentive and tenacious as a defender, Jackson could become a legitimate star for UConn. Since his position is uncertain, it may be a long-term project for him to see the floor on a regular basis.

The team should temper its expectations in Jackson's freshman season, but UConn should reap the rewards of recruiting him in his second year and onward.

What does bode well for his college prospects is his passing ability. When defenders collapse on him, he shows an aptitude to make the proper decision. Combined with his shooting prowess, opponents will have to account for Jackson's high basketball IQ as he continues to grow through college.