The UTEP coaching staff is aiming high in their basketball recruiting for the class of 2016. Top rated 2016 SG Josh Jackson received an offer from the Miners today.

Jackson is know for his electric open-floor playing style and is as complete a player as you will find. The 6'7 185lb wing from Napa, CA (Prolific Prep) has offers from all the top programs in the nation; a list that includes Arizona, Duke, Michigan State and Kansas.

Now that the Miners are getting more big name recruits like Brodricks Jones, Dominic Artis and Josh McSwiggan, it seems like UTEP feels they have a chance to compete for higher ranked prospects.

And why would Jackson listen to UTEP's pitch?

His mother, Apples Waddell, played for the UTEP basketball team in the 1992-93 season.

During that season she was the team's leading scorer -- averaging 15.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.7 steals per game.

Another selling pitch for the Miners could be Floyd's ability to develop his defense. Rivals analysts believe Jackson has the potential to be an All-NBA defender.

With the young talent on the roster, UTEP can continue to sell the future of the program to top rated prospects -- and as long as they can sway a few their way, we could be looking at the beginning stages of a consistent NCAA tournament program in the making.