Gavin Keefe: Andre Jackson getting ready for first season at UConn

[UconnU]

Given the 80% ft...I’ve got hope he can be a threat from 3 from day 1.

He put up those numbers playing a national schedule too, and looked great against EYBL competition. Kid is going to be a contributor day one, starter by mid season.

 

[Huskybass]

I doubt the 3 percentage will translate, but if he can shoot it at even 30% and be some kind of credible threat, his all around game alongside Bouknight, Cole, and Gaffney will really open up the offense.

Given his handle and passing ability, my optimistic projection for Jackson is Daniel Hamilton with superior athleticism/toughness/motor.

That would be fantastic. Hamilton was a great player despite average athleticism. If Jackson is that skilled and far more athletic we would be a tough out.

 

[KingAG]

He put up those numbers playing a national schedule too, and looked great against EYBL competition. Kid is going to be a contributor day one, starter by mid season.

He’s going to be awesome. But if we reel in Nolley and Vaughn idk if he ever starts next year. Which would mean we are REALLY good

 

[glastonbury50]

When I was in middle school I was driving to the basket into traffic on a fast break and lost control of my handle. I ended up having to reach behind my body hoping to grab the ball and I guess somehow accidentally ended up throwing the ball directly to my teammate who scored on a lay up. I didn’t even know my teammate was there. Everyone thought I had some crazy no look behind the back pass and I just let them believe it.

I’m thinking Jackson’s go a little different than that.

Can you post your mixtape?

 

[sledog]

'pistol pete' incarnate = 'action' jackson??

 

[Kenny11]

Lol I can’t wait until an announcer calls him pistol Pete with a 45 inch vertical

 

[Deleted at users request]

Here’s some extended highlights of that game

I really like Jackson's game a lot. Looks like a future lottery pick with his blend of size, skill, and athleticism. We've had a lot of great wings here. He's not as talented as a Rudy or Sticks, but seems to have more skill and a better motor. Not as skilled as DHam but has better athleticism and the motor again.

If there's one thing about his game to fix that can hopefully elevate it even further it would be his jumpshot mechanics. I remember Kemba coming in with the same problem of having a low wind up point that made it hard to shoot off the dribble. If he can work to raise the start point in his jumper similar to Kemba he can become a star.

 

[pj]

He's not as talented as a Rudy or Sticks

I don't know how you can make that judgment at this stage of his career. I hope he's more talented than Sticks at least.

Now if you said, "He's not as tall as Rudy or Sticks," then you'd have a good case.

 

[Palatine]

What's the big deal? According to rivals there are 80 incoming freshmen better than him.

 

[husky429]

I really like Jackson's game a lot. Looks like a future lottery pick with his blend of size, skill, and athleticism. We've had a lot of great wings here. He's not as talented as a Rudy or Sticks, but seems to have more skill and a better motor. Not as skilled as DHam but has better athleticism and the motor again.

If there's one thing about his game to fix that can hopefully elevate it even further it would be his jumpshot mechanics. I remember Kemba coming in with the same problem of having a low wind up point that made it hard to shoot off the dribble. If he can work to raise the start point in his jumper similar to Kemba he can become a star.

His jumper is looking a lot better lately. He used to be a total, total non-shooter.

I wouldn't expect that great of a motor right away. He's athletic but almost no freshman are ready for the grond of college ball. Andre is known for some lackadaisical D as well--his team plays primarily zone in hs

 

[Deleted at users request]

I don't know how you can make that judgment at this stage of his career. I hope he's more talented than Sticks at least.

Now if you said, "He's not as tall as Rudy or Sticks," then you'd have a good case.

I'm referring moreso physically. Rudy and Sticks were 6'8, 6'9 guys with size, height, and length with the athleticism that got them their 5* rating. Neither seemed to have the skill Andre had in their high school stages though.

 

[pj]

I'm referring moreso physically. Rudy and Sticks were 6'8, 6'9 guys with size, height, and length with the athleticism that got them their 5* rating. Neither seemed to have the skill Andre had in their high school stages though.

I guessed that was what you meant. But I don't think "size, height, and length" should be equated with talent. The ability to acquire skills is also a mark of talent.

 

[Deleted at users request]

I guessed that was what you meant. But I don't think "size, height, and length" should be equated with talent. The ability to acquire skills is also a mark of talent.

I won't disagree with that. I do think if Andre had that extra couple of inches his skills would warrant him that 5* rating. Even without it we have a great prospect to look forward to suiting up here. It feels good to get back to having the UConn talent of old.

 

[Psolo12]

What's the big deal? According to rivals there are 80 incoming freshmen better than him.

Is it not okay for people to be excited we have an extremely talented young basketball player coming here? Who our head coach is extremely excited about?

 

[Fatroony5]

Is it not okay for people to be excited we have an extremely talented young basketball player coming here? Who our head coach is extremely excited about?

Nah, no reason to be excited. Rivals had 83 Freshmen last season ranked ahead of Bouknight, so its an end all be all.

 

[husky429]

His no-look dime at 1:20 is ridiculous. Nice one at 7:20 too. Seems like Andre was the only one on the court trying to slow the game down

Pretty lazy on D this game. Everyone is sloppy overall

 

[husky429]

Another one here. Few of his dunks they highlight at the beginning. 5:40 a nice no look dime. 6:05 too.

His end to end speed is absurd.

I'd expect a pretty high TO rate freshman year from him as he adjusts to the new pace of the game. Some of this stuff he won't get away with in the NBE.

I counted 17pts 9asts in this one. Competition level wasn't very good.

 

[Huskybass]

Jackson is very unselfish, almost always looks to pass and rarely takes a bad shot. Definite point forward type. A great luxury to have in such an athletic player.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

Watched a mixtape of his today and wanted to share a screenshot of this insane block.

Man, I wonder how cool it would be to be able to jump so high that YOUR HEAD REACHES THE HOOP!

 

[husky429]

Watched a mixtape of his today and wanted to share a screenshot of this insane block.

Man, I wonder how cool it would be to be able to jump so high that YOUR HEAD REACHES THE HOOP!

I've been told his vertical is 46 inches. Theoretically the kid could bite the rim if he set his mind to it. Just an insane ability to get off the ground. And he does it QUICK too, with tremendous end to end speed.

 

[UconnU]

I've been told his vertical is 46 inches. Theoretically the kid could bite the rim if he set his mind to it. Just an insane ability to get off the ground. And he does it QUICK too, with tremendous end to end speed.

He’s also a pretty good, smart player too he’s not pure athleticism. He is a plus passer, plus rebounder, good handle for his size and an improving jump shot. He’ll be an immediate impact player for us, probably 3rd or 4th in minutes by the end of the year.

 

[uconngb]

Is it not okay for people to be excited we have an extremely talented young basketball player coming here? Who our head coach is extremely excited about?

He’s either being sarcastic or being his usual -ness, so I wouldn’t get too upset about it.

 

[ToolzieFan]

He’s also a pretty good, smart player too he’s not pure athleticism. He is a plus passer, plus rebounder, good handle for his size and an improving jump shot. He’ll be an immediate impact player for us, probably 3rd or 4th in minutes by the end of the year.

His passing ability and handle are why I'm so much more excited about Jackson than other players known for their athleticism. I can see why Sid Wilson was so highly recruited; he can run, jump, and make highlight dunks and blocks. Unfortunately, he didn't have a good handle, he wasn't a great shooter, and he didn't show any ability to create for others. Jackson seems seems like his might fill up a box score and impact the game in numerous ways. I can only hope we eventually get to see him, Bouknight, and a healthy Akok on the court together.

 

[UconnU]

Was watching some tape on him this game stuck out to me. He was an absolute beast in this game blocking shots, hitting 3s, dunking, stealing the ball, great passes. If y’all have some time watch this tape.

 

[metsfan2323]

That would be fantastic. Hamilton was a great player despite average athleticism. If Jackson is that skilled and far more athletic we would be a tough out.

I hope Jackson can rebound like Hamilton, if he can he could play the 4 for us next year in a small lineup. Maybe a James Worthy type of role which would be fun to watch. I also love the possibility of having an exceptional passer at the 4 position.

 

[Chief00]

"During an impressive senior season, Jackson put his all-around skills on display, averaging 18.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 2.7 blocks while shooting 51 percent from the field, 45 percent from 3-point range and 80.5 percent from the foul line. He finished with over 1,100 career points."

That's a lot of assists, and better 3-point and free throw percentages than I thought he had.

Great article. Thanks for sharing.

He worked on his shot. That was a Blaze take away.

 

[Ratso]

i have a feeling this kids gonna be really good

 

[RichZ]

Andre's skillset and body seem very much in the mold of a young Clyde the Glide.

 

[superjohn]

Andre's skillset and body seem very much in the mold of a young Clyde the Glide.

Clyde the Glide is my all-time favorite athlete, I have a feeling Jackson will be an all-time favorite as well.

 

[Deuce]

So we got Clyde Drexler, James Worthy and some Chief dribble about Blaze before the guy has played a minute of college ball #boneyardin’