Baylor beats Iowa for top-40 point guard TJ Jamison
By John Damon | Just The News Iowa
Four-star point guard TJ Jamison has committed to Baylor over Iowa and four other major programs, giving Scott Drew a major building block for his 2027 recruiting class. The decision is a setback for Iowa basketball, which hosted the Louisiana native on his only official visit but could not close the deal.
The 6-foot-2 guard from Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport is ranked No. 36 overall and No. 12 among point guards in the 2027 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. Jamison becomes the first player to commit to Baylor's 2027 class and gives Drew a top-50 prospect for the seventh consecutive recruiting cycle.
How Iowa lost a top recruiting battle
Iowa hosted Jamison for his only official visit, a sign of serious mutual interest. But the Hawkeyes could not overcome Baylor's track record of developing NBA guards. LSU offered Jamison a chance to stay in his home state. Oklahoma and USC pitched prominent roles in high-profile conferences. Miami has built a reputation for developing dynamic guards.
Yet Baylor won. Jamison reportedly wanted to make his decision before his senior season so he could focus on competing for a state championship. Instead of extending the process and scheduling additional visits, he found what he was looking for in Waco.
For Iowa fans, the loss stings. Landing a top-40 point guard would have been a statement for Fran McCaffery's program. Instead, the Hawkeyes must look elsewhere to build their 2027 class.
What TJ Jamison brings to Baylor
Jamison averaged 20.5 points and 5.9 assists during his junior season at Calvary Baptist Academy, establishing himself as both a primary scorer and offensive creator. He continued producing against elite competition on the Nike EYBL circuit, averaging 18.3 points, 4.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game for JL3.
His game is built around speed, creativity and confidence. Jamison possesses the burst to beat defenders off the dribble and the handle to change direction in tight spaces. He can attack the basket, stop for pull-up jumpers and create opportunities for teammates when additional defenders commit to him.
“I'm an all-around player,” Jamison told Rivals. “I like to get my teammates involved first, and then I can score the ball and get to the rack. I shoot the ball pretty well and I like the mid-range game.”
Jamison has studied Rob Dillingham and Devin Booker, two players known for creating shots with quick movements, balance and deceptive changes of pace. The Dillingham influence is particularly noticeable in Jamison's shiftiness. He does not need much space to launch a jumper or accelerate past a defender.
Where Jamison must improve
Jamison is not a finished product. His EYBL shooting percentage sat at 36.4 percent, and he occasionally allowed his aggressive scoring mentality to result in difficult attempts or turnovers. Improving his shot selection and decision-making will be important as he prepares for the college game.
There are encouraging indicators beneath the overall percentage. Jamison shot approximately 35 percent from 3-point range despite attempting more than nine triples per game. He also connected on 87 percent of his free throws, suggesting his touch and shooting mechanics can support greater efficiency.
Size will be another area to monitor. Jamison is not an especially big lead guard, but his growing strength, quickness and willingness to pressure the ball can help compensate defensively.
What this means for Iowa basketball
Iowa's recruiting class for 2027 now faces a significant hole at point guard. The Hawkeyes will need to identify alternative targets and sell their own development track. Fran McCaffery has produced NBA guards like Jordan Bohannon and Joe Wieskamp, but Baylor's recent success with perimeter talent proved more compelling for Jamison.
Baylor has helped develop NBA guards and wings such as Keyonte George, Ja'Kobe Walter and VJ Edgecombe. Jared Butler became the Final Four Most Outstanding Player while leading Baylor to the 2021 national championship. For a guard with professional aspirations, that track record represents a convincing sales pitch.
Iowa fans will watch Jamison's career with interest, wondering what might have been. For now, the Hawkeyes must regroup and find another way to build their backcourt for the future.
Photo: Sporting News