Underdawg: Ohio U's Jason Preston

The story seemingly sweeping the college hoops nation has revolved around Ohio University guard Jason Preston. After his mother passed away from lung cancer five years ago, Jason’s aunt became his legal guardian due to his father’s absence. Since she lived in Jamaica, Jason began to stay with his mother’s best friend’s son.

At Boone High School (Orlando, FL) Preston averaged only 2.2 points per game. With a 6”0 140 lbs stature, his chance of playing organized basketball at the collegiate level were slim to none. As a matter of fact, Jason began to attend college at UCF for education purposes only.

At UCF, he met someone who invited him to an AAU tournament, and at that tournament he met another individual who invited him to prep school. At Believe Prep Academy (SC) - teams are ranked from A-D and Preston landed on the C Team after the coach who recruited him exited the program. After dropping a triple-double, Jason screen recorded all of his games, created his own highlight reel and posted it on Twitter.

From there, Ohio University Men’s Basketball discovered his talent and made him a scholarship offer!* Luckily, Jason shot up 4 inches and OU has bulked him up by thirty pounds and together they have improved his vertical jump as well. He shot 40% from 3 point range last season, averaged 16.8 PPG with 6.4 RPG and 7.4 APG.

If Jason keeps this up, he is certain to receive a draft selection into the NBA which would make him only the fourth player in this century from the MAC to do so.

Yesterday, Preston racked up 31 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds against the #8 team in the nation, Illinois. Unfortunately, the outcome did not play out in the Bobcats favor as Ayo Dosunmu and the Illini scraped out a tough victory at home in Champagne, IL 77-75.

*Jason also received an offer from Longwood University on 04/05/2018.

Ian Romaker

Scribe