We really need someone who can contribute immediately as I see it. You're right his shooting was horrific
GregoryJackson II
NBA Comparison: Marcus Morris
Strengths: Jackson is a hybrid forward with very good size, especially for the perimeter as a 6’9 215 player who already has a strong, mature build and the frame to become even more imposing with time … Excellent length with a 7-foot wingspan … Very good run-jump athleticism; covers ground in a hurry as a rangy strider and has proven to be a powerful leaper, especially with momentum going downhill … Intriguing scoring repertoire (15 ppg as a Fr.); has the raw ability to put the ball in the basket at all 3 levels and can make some highly impressive shots when creating offense for himself … Aggressive and isn’t shy about putting constant pressure on the defense with the rock in his hands, whether iso ball or in the pick and roll game … Strong 1st step … Pretty decent ball-handling skills and shows the ability to change up rhythm with hesitation dribbles to keep his man off balance … Impressive footwork allows him to stop suddenly to rise into pull-up jumpers or utilize up-and-unders when defenders play him too aggressively in one direction … Nice groundwork for occasional back-to-basket production; will utilize turnaround jumpers and jump hooks against smaller match ups in the low or mid post areas & played extended time on the low block in HS/AAU..Full of moves and can string together flashy combination dribbles to free himself up from defenders … Has range that extends past the NBA 3 and poses a threat hitting shots off the dribble or with his feet set … Will generally make well-timed cuts or relocate to open spots when playing off the ball … Had some impressive defensive flashes denying penetration and smothering shooters when locked in (26 blocks in 32 games), physically won’t have many problems matching up with NBA 3s and 4s … Willing rebounder at the college level (6 rpg) and will look to initiate transition offense after missed shots … Could greatly benefit from being around more talented teammates and not having to shoulder such a considerable load at the next level like he did at South Carolina … Youngest prospect in the 2023 Draft class after reclassifying to the 2022 HS class; would turn 19 years old about a month into his rookie season …
Weaknesses: Maturity remains his biggest hurdle … For as talented as Jackson is, his lack of efficiency this past season was very concerning (38 FG%, 32 3FG%, 42 FG% inside the arc) …
His shot selection was poor, too often wasting possessions playing hero ball and dribbling the air out of the rock … Took numerous shots early into the shot clock before his teammates could ever touch the ball, leading many to label him a ‘ballhog’ … Averaged less than 1 assist per game as a Freshman, and generally shows little to no court vision or feel for making teammates better … Too often either didn’t have a plan or had obvious pre-determined reads with the ball that were easy for the defense to take advantage of … Has a tendency to dribble with his head down and often was swarmed by defenders and forced into turnovers/offensive fouls (2.7 topg) … Sometimes you can tell that he’s new to playing extended time on the perimeter based on how he reacts to ball pressure and scramble defenses … Was not a devoted defensive player as a freshman; gave up a ton of open shots due to lax effort and often seemed unfamiliar with scouting reports and matchup tendencies … The high center of gravity he plays with and his tendency to ball watch also didn’t do him any favors on that end, particularly as a helpside defender … His focus, effort and body language both during games and on the sidelines were concerning at various points of the season, and despite his age there will be teams that keep in mind how he acts when the going gets tough for him …
https://www.nbadraft.net/players/gg-jackson/
