Jackson’s defensive rebounding

[Scrappy3]

Hes also a deadzone on offense. How many times does he have a chance to go to the basket for two and possibly a foul and he makes a wild pass which gets turned over or gets to the open guy only to miss the shot or not be ready for the pass. He has absolutley no touch around the basket.

I would tell him to simply push it right to the basket every time there’s even a slim seem. He’s got to be much more aggressive to the hoop for either slam lay up get fouled. Don’t necessarily defer with a pass and please get rid of that soft floater.

 

[todbo]

Jackson is so much fun to watch, like a superball that gains speed on the second bounce. And he's a great following force when a teammate makes a breakaway, often in the air for a possible rebound on a made layup by another Husky.

 

[Sphinx]

What we desperately need at the 2/3 is firepower, and we will have it next year, even it Martin leaves, in the form of Hawk, Floyd and Karaban. We cannot have AJ logging 32 minutes at the 3. If Cole is back, AJ becomes the 4, and his present set of skills makes him a potential dynamo at that position. He doesn't have to be a shooter. He does need to become a more consistent offensive rebounder, and he does need to develop an effective Daniel Hamilton passing relationship with the 5 position.

I say, "if Cole is back," because if Cole leaves, Jackson becomes, crazily, our best hope for the PG position. To imagine either Gaffney or Diggins as our lead point next year is to put a cap on the season before it even begins. We must all pray for Cole's return, but AJ is the alternative hope, and that's where the improvements outlined in this thread will be needed.

 

[QDOG5]

@Nick2005 I'm going to guess you're not crazy and Jackson is definitely not awful. There are things he can't/won't do that frustrate fans but there is so much good he does do that makes his glass more than half full. I just re-read your post and you want Gaffney over Jackson. You might be a little cray-cray.

 

[Palatine]

Jackson only knows how to play at one speed. When he learns to slow down and speed up, he will destroy defenders.

 

[elmcityboy]

everyone is talking about his improvement on offense -- how about this? last year, he averaged 2.8 fouls in 16 minutes. this year, he is averaging 2.4 fouls in 29 minutes. pretty incredible swing.

can't wait to watch him next year.

 

[Doctor Hoop]

He’s an outstanding defensive rebounder. That said, if he’s not there Whaley, Sanogo and Martin, not to mention Cole would be grabbing many of those. And Hawkins is showing he can board.

I saw those plays when he got the ball with the baseline drive open, and was shocked he didn’t take it in. Not only that, he didn’t even look for it. His outside shot will never be a thing of beauty, but he’s got to be able to drive and finish with his ball handling ability. And yes, right now he’s a poor man’s Daniel Hamilton

 

[UConnDad]

AJ plays at the speed I’d like to see us function as a team. Too fast sometimes for sure and may not have the right personnel but would love to attack more.

 

[UconnU]

I’d really like to see us get him involved in the offense in some capacity. 5/6 points for a kid playing 30 minutes isn’t cutting it. His dunks really energize the team and crowd. I wonder why we don’t look for him on back screen dunks/alley oops more often. Maybe he has trouble catching them in practice? Maybe we don’t have anyone else who can throw them? He plays on the perimeter without the ball way too much imo.

 

[tennmike]

I’d really like to see us get him involved in the offense in some capacity. 5/6 points for a kid playing 30 minutes isn’t cutting it. His dunks really energize the team and crowd. I wonder why we don’t look for him on back screen dunks/alley oops more often. Maybe he has trouble catching them in practice? Maybe we don’t have anyone else who can throw them? He plays on the perimeter without the ball way too much imo.

I wondered the same thing. Bouk had bunches of the back screen lobs. Maybe the Jackson defender is too slacked off? Why not get a few for Hawkins then?

 

[husky429]

I’d really like to see us get him involved in the offense in some capacity. 5/6 points for a kid playing 30 minutes isn’t cutting it. His dunks really energize the team and crowd. I wonder why we don’t look for him on back screen dunks/alley oops more often. Maybe he has trouble catching them in practice? Maybe we don’t have anyone else who can throw them? He plays on the perimeter without the ball way too much imo.

We have plays for Jackson lobs all the time. They don't work because he's essentially a non-threat to score anywhere else. His defender is basically in the dunker spot unless he's dribbling the ball.

 

[Umami Zen]

Back screen dunks/alley oops are there.. You've got to have the ball in the hands of someone who can deliver those passes to him.

Can't tell you how many times the last few games that some of our other ball handlers aren't even looking for him even when he's open. So his contribution this year is as a rebounder/defender/passer/good teammate. His time will come.

 

[freshler40]

Pre-season I said he would have a successful year if we could get 8/5/3 out of him on decent percentages and defense... currently he's rolling in at 7.0/7.6/2.7 on decent percentages and excellent defense. I think it's fair to say the season is a success. We couldn't expect the kid to totally revamp his game over the course of the one summer. He's cut down on his fouls a ton and learned how to shoot a basic catch and shoot 3... that is the product of a VERY successful summer.

Sometimes it's hard to forget how much he helps the team on defense, pushing the ball, playing faster, etc just because some of his TOs are so mind-numbingly bad. And the inability to score AT ALL. And that god-awful floater... it can be really frustrating, but these are reps that Andre needs to flourish as a player.

Junior jackson cutting his TOs by a 1/3 is an even better player. Junior jackson that cut his TOs by 1/3 and learns how to make 2 layups a game is a BEAST.

The current version of Jackson is a most disruptive beast in a good way for the Huskies. His nose for rebounds and quick bounds downcourt are amazing. He sure adds the spices to the stew. He will only get and make other players better during his time with us. Live with it, enjoy the ride!

 

[freshler40]

I’d really like to see us get him involved in the offense in some capacity. 5/6 points for a kid playing 30 minutes isn’t cutting it. His dunks really energize the team and crowd. I wonder why we don’t look for him on back screen dunks/alley oops more often. Maybe he has trouble catching them in practice? Maybe we don’t have anyone else who can throw them? He plays on the perimeter without the ball way too much imo.

Your right, we don't play him to his current strength, and he still grabs 10+ rebounds a game. Some of our pieces don't quite fit but when they do, for some minutes of each game, we are amazing and fun to watch. We are in a dream state!

 

[MexicoHusky]

Jackson is a very capable athlete. Sanogo as well. They both are part of the core that makes us the physical team we are. I'm starting to ask myself if they'll both be around 4 years. I really really hope so.

 

[Uconn77Duke74]

This is an incredibly odd team. I feel like we are in a Madden video game where someone picked 5 Dennis Rodman's as their starting lineup. We just hoist shots at will, pass to no one, rarely drive to the rim but can also jump through the roof when needed.

 

[olehead]

Love the rebounding and the energy. His high motor is freakishly efficient and really unlike anything I've seen since Rodman. Rarely does he appear to be gassed. That along with, as Donnie always reminds us, "his Olympic-like athleticism" gives him and UConn a competitive advantage anytime he's on the floor.

Maybe a few less Maravich-like passes would lead to fewer turnovers. In one sequence, St. Johns played him for the pass following his board and push, he had a lane to the hole, but opted to kick to the corner nearly leading to a turnover. My recommendation, less Maravich videos, more Dr. J, Gervin, Jordan, etc., videos of guys who mastered creative finishes around the bucket. Once AJax gets this, please watch out.

 

[Palatine]

I think Jackson is a better defender that DHam. I recall DHam losing his man at very bad times near the end of games.

 

[mauconnfan]

He probably helped to give us an extra 5-6 points yesterday just from his rebounding effort, which led to so many extra possessions. Having a guy like that is so huge on those days when we are shooting at a low percentage, which happens all too often. I get frustrated with the fastballs he throws to Sanogo and the 5 foot floaters that hardly ever fall. Still hard for me to complain when I see Jackson pulling down double digit rebounds so many times. Any talk of giving him less minutes is just silly.

Exactly he did help us no doubt. But the 5 turnovers also gave those back more than likely. He just needs to slow down to be better. Stop at the foul line on occasion look at the cutters maybe even a trailer or even just take it to the rack strong and draw a foul. He should get better eventually long way to go.

A for instance yesterday he comes down and drops a pass off to Martin who’s set up for 3 in the corner. Of course many would say “well Rese should have cut to the basket” wrong answer. He just made 3 threes in a row he needs to know that just get it to him where he’s en fuego don’t assume.

Great vision and rebounding so much to look forward to but for now cut down on the errors they all hurt, not just him though everyone same with RJ.

 

[UCLJ0211]

Just meant DHam was a better rebounder

I’d like to see Ajax on the receiving end of some of the alley oop lobs Hamilton used to throw to the likes of Brimah, etc. Why are we not running more set plays to leverage his athleticism?

 

[CardiacAndre7]

I’d like to see Ajax on the receiving end of some of the alley oop lobs Hamilton used to throw to the likes of Brimah, etc. Why are we not running more set plays to leverage his athleticism?

It’s not us it’s him. He doesn’t take advantage of his athleticism enough. He is scared to shoot in the lane.

 

[UCLJ0211]

It’s not us it’s him. He doesn’t take advantage of his athleticism enough. He is scared to shoot in the lane.

The guy can jump out of the building. Not even talking about shooting. We need to run some simple plays where he can just dunk the ball.

 

[JohnFSilver]

he is unable to create enough space to release his shot. He has to be square and needs time to set. The defense gives him enough space to prevent the drive, but they can close out before he can shoot because of his shooting mechanics. He does not have an off the dribble move, and no step back, both are nearly impossible due to his technique. This should have been fixed a long time ago.

He got a lot better in one year, but I don't get how someone with that advanced athleticism, dribbling, passing skills and instinct can have such a rudimentary offensive game. Hurley done wonders with him already. This frustrated me about Drummond too.

What are they doing in Albany? The AAU and just play games culture is killing guys like this. It is going to cost him money.

If he was sent to a European academy, like Dirk, Luka Donic and guys like that, you guys have any idea how his skills would look?

I love the creativity of American players, they are not robots and have great instincts. But he plays like the hoop he is playing had no net, was bent and there was a constant 15 MPH winds. He has the entire athletic package, the instincts and motor. But lacks the easiest thing to develop on basketball, shooting. Go figure.

 

[Stinger92860]

It’s not us it’s him. He doesn’t take advantage of his athleticism enough. He is scared to shoot in the lane.

He only has the tear drop in the lane that I have seen to date and it’s not going in consistently. He is an athletic freak, but he is neither a shooter or scorer at this point.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

He only has the tear drop in the lane that I have seen to date and it’s not going in consistently. He is an athletic freak, but he is neither a shooter or scorer at this point.

From what I can recall, it’s not going in at all

 

[JohnFSilver]

He’s the best passer and the worst passer all in one. Problem is he has good vision but never throws the normal pass often enough instead prefers to look pretty too often cutting the mustard, which he’s not very good at. He can be a terrific passer but needs to just play and finish his passes.

Vision and decision-making are two very different things.

 

[Pudge]

I am from Albany.

The local AAU program - The City Rocks - is one of the very best regionally. So good ... that you will find kids from Syracuse and west + NYC/Westchester traveling to be on that team. Andre Jackson also played for Brian Fruscio who is one of the finest HS basketball coaches regionally at Albany Academy - Fruscio is from a deep family tradition of hoop.

I read through this thread quickly. IF you took out the phrase "defensive rebounding", I think 96% of you did not address one of his top attributes: defensive mindset, fundamentals and enthusiasm of that aspect of the game. He is a great defender and has the capacity to defend 1-5. His box out mechanics are excellent; thus, his rebounding on that end follows. He has the athleticism and the want-to and the toughness. He is most like Rodman here.

On offense, I would whisper in his ear daily: go Strong and dunk. Or just get near the hoop and learn to use the backboard. You can see he has the correct mind to shape his body to get the shot.

Before you knock Albany on shooters - Jimmer Fredette, Joe Girard, Kevin Huerter. There are great fundamental teaching on shooting. Huerter's Dad - for instance. I think the lack of development of AJ offense is because everything was so easy for him playing that he dominated defenders just with quicks. Passing? He needs to tone down the creativity about 30%. A good pass for a score; no one gives points for the really incredible looks.

 

[husky429]

Andre Jackson also played for Brian Fruscio who is one of the finest HS basketball coaches regionally at Albany Academy - Fruscio is from a deep family tradition of hoop.

I mean, they play almost exclusively a 23 zone and Andre left after 4 years with a shot that looks like a 5th-grader. I'm sure he has his solid qualities as a coach, but there's gotta be some questions on his ability to coach kids up at this point.

 

[Son of Robert]

One thing I'm seeing is that Andre's ball handling has gotten much better as this season has progressed. It is much tighter, more decisive, quicker. In transition he is kicking ass getting the ball up the floor, and also facilitating from the top of the arc the ball is moving much better.

He is learning fast; hopefully, aggressive drives to the hoop and mid-range post ups with a quick step to the basket are coming real soon.

 

[JohnFSilver]

I am from Albany.

The local AAU program - The City Rocks - is one of the very best regionally. So good ... that you will find kids from Syracuse and west + NYC/Westchester traveling to be on that team. Andre Jackson also played for Brian Fruscio who is one of the finest HS basketball coaches regionally at Albany Academy - Fruscio is from a deep family tradition of hoop.

I read through this thread quickly. IF you took out the phrase "defensive rebounding", I think 96% of you did not address one of his top attributes: defensive mindset, fundamentals and enthusiasm of that aspect of the game. He is a great defender and has the capacity to defend 1-5. His box out mechanics are excellent; thus, his rebounding on that end follows. He has the athleticism and the want-to and the toughness. He is most like Rodman here.

On offense, I would whisper in his ear daily: go Strong and dunk. Or just get near the hoop and learn to use the backboard. You can see he has the correct mind to shape his body to get the shot.

Before you knock Albany on shooters - Jimmer Fredette, Joe Girard, Kevin Huerter. There are great fundamental teaching on shooting. Huerter's Dad - for instance. I think the lack of development of AJ offense is because everything was so easy for him playing that he dominated defenders just with quicks. Passing? He needs to tone down the creativity about 30%. A good pass for a score; no one gives points for the really incredible looks.

What you Mentioned makes his lack of offensive game more astounding to me. He has great basketball skill dribbling, vision wise, and you are right —- terrific rebounder, defender and I like his motor. The shot got a lot better.

But, offensive footwork is somehow missing in his game. It is weird because he would probably be a perfect basketball player if he had it. TBH, how many great athletes — like noticeably superior to other great athletes — have his kind of motor? He plays hard and is relentless. That is as impressive as his physical gifts.