The turnstile that has been Missouri basketball for the last few years continues. PowerMizzou.com has learned that freshman Willie Jackson will transfer from Missouri.
Shortly after this initial report, Mizzou released statements from the program and from Jackson.
Statement from Mizzou Men’s Basketball
“Willie Jackson has made the Mizzou Men’s Basketball program aware of his intentions to continue his academic and athletic pursuits closer to home. We understand Willie has a desire to be closer to his family due to a family medical situation, so his decision has our support. We appreciate what Willie has contributed during his time with the program and wish him the best in the future.”
Statement from Willie Jackson
“I really appreciate the opportunity that Mizzou gave me, and I enjoyed my time in Columbia, but my family needs me closer to home, at this point. We have an illness in the family, and I’m hoping to spend more time around my family to be a positive influence. I am thankful for everything that Mizzou’s coaching staff has done for me, and I will always be cheering for my teammates in the future.”
Jackson signed with the Tigers last year out of Cleveland's Garfield Heights High School. He chose the Tigers over reported offers from the likes of Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, Boston College and Penn State among others.
Jackson has played in all 11 games this season for Missouri, averaging 16.9 minutes per contest. He averaged 5.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest.
Multiple sources told PowerMizzou.com that Jackson and Frankie Hughes have missed multiple practices since returning home to Cleveland following the Illinois game on December 21. According to sources, both players were back on campus as of Wednesday night. Hughes is still a member of the team, though his status for tonight's game against Lipscomb is uncertain.
Jackson is the 13th scholarship player to transfer or be dismissed from Mizzou in Kim Anderson's two-plus years at the helm. The others are Teki Gill-Caesar, Jonathan Williams III, Jakeenan Gant, Namon Wright, Torren Jones, Tramaine Isabell, Wes Clark, Deuce Bello, Cam Beidschied, Martavian Payne, Shane Rector and D'Angelo Allen.
