Jaren Jackson Jr. Gearing Up For DICK'S Nationals Business Trip

CHICAGO — Jaren Jackson Jr. certainly isn’t the only one with an early wake-up call Thursday, but it’s all worth it. In many ways, this busy week is the perfect mix of fun and business.

Fresh off a five-point, three-rebound performance in the West Boys Team’s 109-107 win over the East Boys Team in the McDonald’s All American Games at the United Center, Jackson took in the final few moments of pure happiness, recapping an incredible week with some of his best friends, before heading back to the hotel to get ready for the next trip.

The La Lumiere (IN) star power forward will join four other McDonald’s All Americans — IMG Academy’s Trevon Duval, Findlay Prep’s PJ Washington, Oak Hill’s Billy Preston, and teammate Brian Bowen — on one of the earliest flights possible to New York City for DICK’S Sporting Goods High School Nationals this weekend at Christ The King High School.

A short turnaround, for sure, but this is all part of it, and perhaps nobody is enjoying it as much as Jackson as he looks to help the No. 1 Lakers take home a national title.