Overtime Elite: Ian Jackson Continues to Showcase Future NBA Upside
While the Overtime Elite league boasts countless prospects with NBA talent, one of the most impressive of all is Ian Jackson. A versatile perimeter player with decent size at 6-foot-5, he has been incredibly productive in OTE play this season.
Jackson has averaged 24.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 46.3% from the floor through nine OTE contests. He's second in the league in scoring, flashing his tools and intangibles that make him such a special player. In his most recent game, the 18-year-old scored 30 points while shooting 50% from the floor, showing off his three-level scoring ability. The 3-point shot still needs work, but there's reason for optimism on that front.
Set to play at North Carolina next season with the Tar Heels, Jackson has a real chance to be a one-and-done player at the college level before making the jump to the NBA.
Given his size and skillset, Jackson can really play upwards of three positions. He's a natural off-ball guard, but can also handle and operate as a lead guard or slide up and play more of a true wing. He has long arms and a strong build for his age and is a plus athlete with good burst and pop. On the defensive end, he still needs to find ways to be more consistent, but is the ultimate competitor and embraces taking on the opposing team's best player.
When it comes to being a natural leader and the face of a team, Jackson possesses all of the right traits. Even in a league filled with some of the best players in the country, Jackson has proven to be one of the best. This is why he's a clear top-20 player in his high school class and projects to be a one-and-done prospect that makes it to the NBA as a potential lottery pick.
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