Oregon point guard Jackson Shelstad hosts kids camp at West Linn High

WEST LINN, Ore. (KOIN) -- To no one’s surprise, Jackson Shelstad was the apple of every young kid’s eye at his basketball camp on Saturday.

“It means a lot. This community has always supported me. Just being able to share my knowledge to them is really cool for me, especially at West Linn where it all started,” said Shelstad.

The point guard is a pillar his community, as he is the most notable West Linn native athlete since his mentor, Payton Pritchard.

“It’s really cool for me. Just because I was a kid and I used to look up to the college players and stuff like that,” said the rising junior. “To kind of have that impact on them now, it’s kind of a surreal feeling just because I was in their shoes one day, and I know that feeling as well.”

Those feelings only become greater as Jackson continues to play basketball just a few hours down the road at Oregon.

He certainly had opportunities to go elsewhere this offseason, but staying home was what was best.

“I just love playing for Coach Altman, and I think we could have a really good team this year, so I talked to Nate after the season, KJ, just kind of wanted to see where their heads were at,” said Shelstad. “Once we figured out we all wanted to come back, it was an easy decision.”

Jackson says he’s hoping to improve one of his weaknesses this off season, and that is being more communicative with his teammates.

“Coach has always gotten on me, to be a point guard you have to be more vocal on the court and stuff like that,” says Jackson. “To get to the next level, I know that’s what scouts are looking for in me. That’s what Coach Altman wants out of me, especially this year.”

And this year this squad will most definitely be looking towards their Oregonian duo of Jackson and Nate Bittle to lead this squad.

“I feel like I’ve kind of earned that role being at Oregon for two years and the work I’ve put in there so just going to have to take that leap this year, for sure,” said Jackson.