NBA Draft Scouting Report: South Carolina’s GG Jackson
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GG Jackson
Forward | South Carolina
Height: 6’9” | Weight: 210 lbs
2023 Draft Age: 18.52
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
One of the youngest prospects in this upcoming class, Jackson was still 17 at the start of the college season and will be 18 on the night of the 2023 NBA Draft. As a rookie, he won’t turn 19 until two months into the 2023-24 NBA season.
A highly skilled power forward, Jackson was the No. 1 high school player in the 2023 class before reclassifying into the 2022 class.
On the offensive end, Jackson is more of a modern forward. He lacks a true post game, but is still very effective as a scorer. Especially in the modern NBA, that shouldn’t hold him back. He loves the turnaround fadeaway in the midrange and is starting to become a more reliable 3-point shooter.
Jackson definitely isn’t an elite shooter from deep, but is reliable when open and has time to get his shot off. He has a smooth jumper, so there shouldn't be any concerns longer term about his perimeter scoring. Where he really thrives is in transition where likes to pull the rebound off the rim and run with it. He’s light on his feet and moves well for a guy of his size.
As an isolation scorer, the South Carolina freshman is special. He’s got a great handle and can generate his own shot. With the NBA becoming so heavy in isolation situations, his game should translate well at the next level. Not many guys his size are legitimate playmakers. With that in mind, he did struggle quite a bit at the college level and often took bad shots. Playing at the college level at the age of a high school senior is no easy task, so it's fair that he had some issues adjusting on and off the court. Regardless, the incredible upside and ceiling was very clear despite the inefficiency and questionable decision making.
Overall, Jackson reads the game well and has good natural feel. His solid footwork translates on both ends, especially on defense. While he does lack length as it relates to wingspan, the combination of quick feet and strength allows him to defend multiple positions.
The young forward’s size and skillset is ideal for modern NBA and he’s still so young that there’s optimism he’ll only get better over the next few years at a rapid rate.
The former five-star prospect is the highest recruit the Gamecocks had ever landed. As a junior at Ridge View High School he earned South Carolina’s Gatorade Player of the Year. Prior to committing to play for the Gamecocks, Jackson was originally set to attend North Carolina but backed out.
Given how young he is, Jackson is definitely a guy that could really improve his draft stock by coming back another season, but is still very worthy of an early selection in the 2023 NBA Draft. However, there's a real chance he could be a top five pick in next summer's class if he opted to go that route.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Mid First-Round Pick in 2023 NBA Draft.
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