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Where Justin Jackson’s ‘keep his mouth shut and score 30’ mentality came from

Related Topics: Homeschooling, Justin Jackson

Mike Decker says Justin Jackson has a sense of humor – once you get to know him.

Decker would know.

Jackson, the Kings rookie small forward from North Carolina, was 11 years old when Decker met him through the Homeschool Christian Youth Association in Houston, which allows children who are home-schooled to compete in sports at a high level. Decker later coached Jackson in high school and said he’s always been grounded, which he attributes to Jackson’s personality, faith and upbringing.

That resolve would be tested when Jackson grew into one of the best high school prospects in the country, a designation that begs for bravado.