My Brothers Keeper: Andre and Marcus Jackson
Albany Academy’s Andre and Marcus Jackson grew up competing against each other since day one. The brothers would always push each other for greatness and that alone was the driving force to the success they are having now. The two brothers played together informally and in rec leagues growing up, but until Marcus enrolled at Albany Academy, they’d never been on the same team at an organized level. The elder Jackson, currently a four-star recruit is ranked #52 on ESPN’s top 100 list and has committed to the UConn huskies next season. The younger brother Marcus is currently a Junior and on his way to catching the attention of a lot of division 1 schools himself. Both are currently striving to bring their school a state title and bring some respect to the upstate New York basketball scene.
Albany Academy took the trip to New York City to compete in the Empire Invitational. A compilation of the region’s best basketball teams suited up and tested their teams against great non-conference opponents. Albany Academy would be matched up against a tough NYC opponent in Cardinal Hayes High School. Both teams fought a good fight but in the end, it was The Albany School who would walk away victorious. Although Andre Jackson would capture the headlines most of the time, it was his younger brother Marcus who would earn MVP honors.
We used to dream about being able to play on the same team… So being able to be on this stage with him is just great!
-Andre Jackson
Andre Jackson gave the Empire Invitational crowd some highlights to remember him by in the form of some thunderous dunks. Marcus complimented his brothers play and actually led the way for Albany Academy with a stat line of 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. He was solid on the defensive end and caused havoc for his opponents throughout the game. When they announced that he had won the MVP award, his teammates, including his brother, all rallied around him and celebrated like they all just won the award. “It’s all about winning for me, the individual awards are cool and all but at the end of the day it’s all about getting a W for the team”. Says Marcus Jackson. Both brothers have bright futures ahead of them and we’ll keep our eyes glued on both as they develop their games further.
Andre Jackson will be attending UConn in the fall. He’s a big guard who will bring speed and a ton of athleticism to Storrs, Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Cal Griffin/ATH
Next season you can catch Andre in a UConn uniform as he has already committed to play for Danny Hurley and the Huskies. His upside is tremendous, already blessed with the tools it takes to be a great college player. He can absolutely jump out of the gym and has a solid handle and quickness that he’ll use to carve his Big East opposition. He’ll even have a shot at the pros if he can work on some key things with his game. He’ll need to work on his decision making and play smarter with the ball in his hands. In college, possessions are very valuable and converting is key. He also must work on his outside shooting. Once he can knock down a consistent mid-range jumper he’s going to be impossible to guard.
We do so well because we’re both very super competitive and we love the game… nobody will ever get in the way of that!”
-Marcus Jackson
Marcus has the rest of the season and next year to get better. He is already an incredible defensive player and if he can use that for leverage he’ll get some great schools knocking on his door. I can’t wait to see how he matures.
Marcus Jackson has always wanted to play on the same team with his older brother. They have made that a reality at Albany Academy and causing havoc on opponents. Photo courtesy of Cal Griffin/ATH
Thank you to both brothers for their time during our interview and wish them nothing short of the best. Make sure you follow Marcus @Marcus_.Jackson and @AndreJackson5 on Instagram to tune in to their story.