Big Ten Recruiting Morning Power Bar: Maryland and Michigan State Target 2016 5-Star Shooting Guard Josh Jackson

There has been plenty of buzz surrounding Josh Jackson this summer. The 6' 7" shooting guard has logged the miles playing in AAU showcase events coast-to-coast, and impressing top major programs along the way. After visiting Michigan State recently, the Southfield, Michigan, native plans to visit Maryland in a couple of weeks after playing in the Under Armour Elite 24 in New York.

Speaking of New York, Jackson went off for 50 points in the Big Strick Classic Saturday night at the Gauchos Gym in the Bronx. He added 16 rebounds and five assists as Team USA blasted Team NYC 159-137 in a high-scoring affair. "Boom Baby."

His 50 points broke the Big Strick Classic scoring record, previously held by Phoenix Suns guard Archie Goodwin. Talk about unconscious. What a display of dominance by this stud baller. Digest this video with an array of dunks and nifty pull-up jumpers from all over the court:

Two weeks earlier at the Las Vegas Fab48 Tournament final, Jackson and 1Nation (Detroit) captured the AAU title as once again, he was the spark with 22 points, three blocks, and several rebounds. 1Nation topped BTI Select 56-49. Earlier that same day, 1Nation defeated WeR1 66-65 in an overtime thriller. Jackson dropped 20 points in that game.

1Nation's mantra is "Globe on Fire" and during the spring session of the Under Armour Association circuit, the Justin-Siena (Napa, CA) senior to be, burned for 41 points against KC Run GMC on 19-of-24 shooting, including 3-of-5 threes. He added seven assists and six rebounds.

If coast-to-coast isn't enough travel, Jackson was a member of the gold-medal winning USA team in the FIBA U19 World Championships in Greece July 5. In the title game, he tallied 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field.

On the recruiting front, the 18-year-old Jackson told ZagsBlog that Maryland, Michigan State, Arizona, Villanova, Duke, Kentucky, UNLV, and UCLA were still under consideration. Talk about a list of heavyweights. He is the top ranked player of the 2016 class per 247/Sports.

Word on the street is that there is no clear-cut leader in his recruitment process. However, both Michigan State and Maryland are gaining serious consideration. Jackson's mother, Apple Jones, told ZagsBlog:

We'll take [an unofficial] visit to Maryland. We're going to try to go there in between now and Elite 24...Maryland has come a long way, they're getting in the game...Right now as far as I can see and who I've talked to is Arizona, Kansas, Michigan State, UCLA...At this moment Josh just passed the SAT and he's working on the ACT. Once he finishes those tests, he'll be more focused on where he's going to play...Michigan State was good visit. Coach Tom Izzo is a good coach. He cares about the kids and playing in his system. Those kids seem to develop.

What a lethal weapon. His skill set is terrific and his motor never stops. He possesses great floor vision and is unstoppable in transition. Regardless of which college he plans to attend in 2016, I would bet dollars to donuts that Jackson will more than likely be a 2017 NBA Lottery Pick.

Such is the life of a top high school basketball prospect.

Follow Tim Langevin on Twitter@Sports Rockers