GG Jackson continues to impress in NBA Summer League
Watching GG Jackson in his one year at South Carolina, there was always NBA potential. And he’s showing it through the first part of the NBA Summer League.
Through three games this summer Jackson is averaging 13.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game over 18.3 minutes in his first taste of professional basketball.
He’s shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 46.7 percent from three-point range. Jackson’s hauled in 17 total rebounds (four offensive, 13 defensive).
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Jackson is coming off arguably his biggest game to date, rattling off 23 points Thursday night against the Jazz. He did it on 8-for-20 (40 percent) shooting while going 4-for-9 from three.
He had a double-double also, hauling in 10 rebounds with one block. The former South Carolina forward went a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.
Through three games, Jackson has three blocked shots with the other two coming in his Summer League debut.
There’s still plenty of room for improvement for Jackson, who’s still just 18 years old. But he’s showing why there was NBA buzz around him coming to South Carolina.
Memphis drafted Jackson in the second round of the NBA Draft last month, taking the 6-foot-9 forward No. 45 overall after one year with the Gamecocks.
“They’re getting a hell of a player,” Jackson said on draft night. “They’re getting a very, very versatile player who can play most positions and score from anywhere on the floor, defend most positions and someone who hates to lose.”
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Jackson averaged 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds while being named to the SEC All-Freshman team in the process. He shot 38.4 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from three.
“It’s a great feeling and a blessing. I still remember the days when I was in the backyard just thinking about basketball. I just always wanted to play basketball,” Jackson said on his time at South Carolina.
“At this moment, to have the support I have, I feel like I definitely made the right choice to stay home at South Carolina. Hopefully, they can cherish me forever.”
He’s the first Gamecocks player drafted since 2017, snapping a five-year draft drought. Sindarius Thornwell went No. 48 overall that year and ultimately played for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Jackson is the highest South Carolina draftee since 2006 when Renaldo Balkman went No. 20 overall to the New York Knicks.
