"The Fearless Flame That Sets the Floor on Fire"

Kobi Jackson

@kobijackson2027

IG: @kobi.jackson.2027

5'10, 145lbs, Class of 2027

Independence HS, TN

Kobi steps onto the court like a burst of electricity that refuses to dim. His three-point shot is his calling card, the first weapon defenses must account for, and the one that instantly shifts the energy in a gym. Once defenders fly out to contest, that is when his lightning-quick speed takes over, slicing off the bounce and attacking the lane with fearless intent. He can finish over length, punish closeouts, and keep pressure on a defense at all times. Dynamite comes in small packages, and Kobi’s photo is the perfect definition of that truth. Never let his size fool you. He is that dude and plays with a chip on his shoulder every single night to prove it. Kobi sees the floor with rare clarity, makes dazzling passes that flip momentum in seconds, and brings defensive grit that makes life miserable for opponents. Every time he touches the floor, he brings an energy that sets the entire game ablaze.

This past season, he averaged 7 PPG, 3 AST, 3 STL, and 1 REB, with multiple nights of scoring 12 points or more, and earned a starting spot halfway through his sophomore year. His biggest improvement has been stepping up as a leader and impacting the game in every way, becoming the steady point guard Indy relies on. His offseason focus focused on leadership and how he creates advantages for himself and his teammates. His favorite goal remains the same as always, taking Independence back to the Glass House at MTSU and chasing another ring.

Kobi’s motivation fits perfectly with that mission. What motivates him is what people think about his height. It’s the eye test, meaning his height and appearance on paper, but once they see him play, they realize that height doesn’t matter. He loves being the reason people change their minds about how tall a person has to be to play this game. He loves when bigger guys try to face guard or double him and eventually get switched out because they cannot stay in front. He embraces being the one who proves heart and skill outweigh measurements. He hopes younger kids who feel overlooked see that if they work hard enough, they can do it too.

Kobi’s hunger for the Glass House is more than a goal, it is a mission stitched into the way he plays every single possession. That fire shows up in his pace, his command of the offense, and the way he pulls teammates with him instead of just leading from the front. He is the guard who talks in huddles, keeps his head up during runs, and sets the tone through pure effort. Every offseason workout, every rep in practice, and every moment of growth tie back to his determination to return to Murfreesboro, chase another ring, and leave Independence better than he found it. That purpose fuels him, pushes him, and gives him an edge that separates him from most guards in the junior class.

Handling adversity on the court is another part of what makes him special. He refuses to show frustration, never lets emotions pull him off his goal, and beats adversity by outworking it. He turns up his intensity and uses tough moments as fuel to make sure the next play, the next quarter, or the next game becomes even better.

During the AAU season with the Tennessee Tigers, he put up a 43-point game and multiple thirty-plus performances that showed exactly how explosive he can be. The AAU stage became the proving ground where Kobi unlocked a new version of himself. Scoring 43 points in one game and getting multiple 30-plus performances was not just about numbers; it was a declaration. Those nights forced defenses to stretch, forced scouts to take notice, and forced Kobi to realize how dangerous he can be when he plays with freedom and trust in his work. It reshaped his mindset, turning him from a confident guard into a fearless scorer who embraces the moment and never shies away from pressure. That stretch of dominance expanded his ceiling and gave him the blueprint for how explosive he can be all season long.

Off the court, Kobi’s strongest guidance comes from his dad. There isn’t a specific piece of advice because every game, good or bad, comes with reminders that there is always room for improvement. His dad films his games, and they break down film together, finding openings, reading defenses, and spotting ways to attack the floor smarter. That time together helps him see basketball in a deeper way and improve in ways most players his age never think about.

Family also means everything to Kobi. He has a little brother, Dylan, and their bond is one of the biggest parts of his life. If they aren’t in the gym, they are joking, laughing, or irritating their parents together. That relationship keeps him grounded, happy, and balanced.

Looking ahead, Kobi has interest in Indiana Wesleyan and Trevecca University. His top dream choice would be to play at Kentucky if that opportunity ever came his way.

With the 2025 season approaching, Kobi is already being talked about among the five juniors expected to deliver a productive year. His name rises quickly in that conversation, right alongside Walker Redding, and his game demands that attention.

I assess that Kobi’s deep range shooting, quickness, vision, and fierce competitive fire translate beautifully to the college level. His instincts as a facilitator, combined with his ability to stretch defenses, give a program a guard who can change the rhythm of a game instantly. His toughness and defensive motor bring even more value, providing a presence that impacts both ends of the floor without needing high usage.

Kobi is stepping into a season built for a breakout. His confidence is rising, his leadership has grown, and his scoring ability has already proven explosive. His commitment to taking Independence back to the Glass House fuels him daily. Expect him to emerge as one of the most productive point guards in the Tennessee 2027 class with a ceiling that extends far beyond what he has already shown.