Mizzou Tigers basketball player Tray Jackson planning to transfer
Missouri Tigers men’s basketball forward Tray Jackson is planning to transfer, a team spokesperson confirmed to the Star Saturday.
The freshman saw sporadic playing time throughout his rookie campaign, averaging 8.1 minutes and 2.9 points per game. Jackson displayed flashes of athleticism and promise but struggled to get onto the court consistently.
PowerMizzou was the first to report Jackson’s intention to leave Mizzou.
The Detroit native was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school. He was ranked as a four-star recruit and No. 85 in the country, according to 247Sports.
He was expected to contribute more in 2019-20 season, but defensive lapses and other struggles kept him off the court. Mizzou coach Cuonzo Martin pointed to Jackson’s conditioning around midseason as one reason he wasn’t playing more.
Jackson is the second member of MU’s high school Class of 2019 to transfer out of the program. Former Mizzou guard Mario McKinney Jr. also transferred in January, landing at John A. College in Illinois. McKinney was suspended for undisclosed reasons before entering the transfer portal.
The lone member of the recruiting class remaining is Kobe Brown, a surprise difference-maker in his freshman year. The 6-foot-7 forward played in 30 games, notching 26 starts while averaging 5.8 points and 3.7 rebounds.
Jackson’s departure means there’s another open scholarship spot for Martin and his staff to fill.
However, Martin must deal with recruiting restrictions — the NCAA instituted a recruiting dead period until April 15, the first day of the regular signing period, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.