Jah Jackson: From Overtime Elite to NBA Draft - A Path Paved with Resilience and Dedication

Jahzare Jackson won three championships during his tenure at Overtime Elite, but will now be taking his talents to the next level.

Author:
Nick Crain
Apr 18, 2024

After three extremely successful seasons in the Overtime Elite system, Jahzare Jackson is a well-known basketball player who has the talent to now play professionally next season. But his journey wasn’t like most players of his caliber, especially given he’s only played organized basketball since seventh grade.

Jackson was introduced to the game of basketball by his uncle, but prior to that, he was a standout football player who had obtained offers from schools like Alabama and Ohio State by seventh grade. As expected, the flashes of upside on the hardwood were clear from day one, but he actually took some time to hit his stride in this new sport.

Despite initial struggles as he transitioned to basketball, his unwavering commitment to improvement propelled him forward. “When I started playing, I wasn’t too good. It took time to develop.” Jackson reminisced, reflecting on his formative years.

Jackson was homeschooled through his middle school years, then took his talents to IMG Academy for his freshman and sophomore seasons, which served as a catalyst for growth. This prepared him to succeed both on and off the court. He also played AAU ball with the North Coast Blue Chips with Bronny James and other very high-profile athletes as he found his footing on the court.

As important as the IMG Academy experience was for Jackson, it was his decision to join Overtime Elite that heralded a new chapter in his basketball journey.

“My biggest thing was really just wanting to get better. I was trying to achieve my goals and my dreams, and that's getting to the next level. They [OTE] pretty much explained that they would treat us like pros, pretty much. That's what I wanted for myself. And that's what I've seen, that's made me better mentally and physically,” Jackson told Draft Digest.

Jackson was in the inaugural Overtime Elite class, which was something else that was attractive to him during the recruitment process. He was able to be part of the first class and pave the way for the tremendous amount of talent that was set to follow him.

Once Jackson got to Atlanta, a significant transformation occurred in his physical conditioning and body. He was able to quickly shed weight, gain strength, and improve his mobility, resulting in an evolution in his game.

“So many factors play into it when you want to get your body better, and just like transforming your body in general. I really had to focus on the right things — making sure I got enough sleep, which plays a big part. And then also just making sure you get through each session focusing on getting stronger,” Jackson said.

Jackson’s strength and conditioning plan went well beyond just shedding weight and getting stronger. He also focused on making sure he increased his flexibility and built stronger joints to avoid injury by participating in activities like yoga. While some young athletes think it’s all about hitting the heavy weights hard, Jackson actually spent quite a bit of time doing body-weight workouts.

When the 6-foot-11 prospect got to Overtime Elite, he weighed 350 pounds. Now, he’s somewhere around 315 and has a much more modern build. As his body has transformed, he’s found ways to enhance his game and be more versatile while also dominating with the size he still possesses. With the help of his coaching and player development staff, Jackson feels as if the evolution of his on-court game was seamless as he learned to play with a more slender frame.

As good as Jackson has become on the court, one of the most impressive things that often goes unnoticed about Jackson’s time at OTE was his ability to grow as a leader on and off the court. Especially in his third year within the Overtime Elite system, he was someone younger players looked up to as a mentor. This will prove valuable as he takes the next steps in his basketball career.

“I felt like I've grown a lot as a leader being here for three years. And kind of just understanding what it takes and what you will be put through,” said Jackson of his leadership. “So it kind of just being that older brother that others can look up to or they can ask questions whenever they’re struggling with something. Because at the end of the day, I know what it feels like. I’ve been in their shoes before — when you don't want to get in the gym because you're tired or don't want to lift because you're sore. I've been there so I can relate. So just kind of just telling them how it’s gonna happen knowing it's gonna make you a better person.”

As he embarks on the next step in his journey, Jackson has entered the NBA Draft as a better player on the court and leader off of it than he was even this time last year. The next few months will prove to be pivotal in how his next chapter unfolds.

“I’m just trying to weigh all my options right now. I’ve entered my name into the NBA Draft so I can have the chance to get some workouts with some teams and be able to show what I can do. And I’ll kind of just take it from there,” Jackson told Draft Digest.

There’s much more to Jackson’s game that can still be uncovered as he develops in the coming years. As much as he has improved in three seasons at OTE, it’s important to remember that he didn’t play organized basketball until seventh grade. He still has plenty of upside that may not have been showcased quite yet. When asked to describe his game, Jackson alluded to the fact that there’s still more he can do that he is continuously working on.

“I would describe my game as dynamic. I’m able to do things that a lot of people don’t expect me to do, whether that's handle the ball, shoot the ball, or even pass the ball. And then finishing around the rim and my footwork. I feel like I’ve got some of the best footwork around along with the touch around the rim and just being a dominant force in general. l want to be a dominant player whenever I step on the court,” said Jackson.

Dominating games is certainly something Jackson did frequently during his time at OTE. He models his game after players like Shaquille O'Neal, DeMarcus Cousins and Zach Randolph, which also makes sense given how he plays. When it comes to owning the paint on both ends, the 6-foot-11 big is fully capable.

The next few months will be interesting for Jackson, as he finds his next home at the professional level. He has a unique game, which should be intriguing to NBA teams. But when he was asked what he’s looking to showcase most in the coming weeks, his answer spoke to his maturity and character.

“What I hope to show these teams is that I'm a good person, a leader and I'm vocal,” Jackson explained. “Like, at the end of the day, I want to do whatever it takes to get better and just improve my game. And then just improve the people around me as well. Make people better around me, and encourage them. This is a team sport at the end of the day. It's not a one-man sport. I want my teammates to be in the right mind space to execute and do what it takes.”

In all three of his seasons at Overtime Elite, he won a championship which speaks to the level of impact Jackson has on winning. Regardless of what his next step is, he will carry that winning nature with him.

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