2020 Recruiting: UConn in for Andre Jackson

[Dove]

Chief can’t keep everyone happy (LOL) - The Chief's have it!
Chief should have stayed with his instincts but at least we know now the suggested “I” was a failed idea.

Chiefin' ain't easy.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

I dream of being there some day.

"Start where you are" is good advice.
You must have some annoying stuff in your life already. Don't postpone angst.

 

[UconnU]

Link?

 

[Mooch82]

We are a school 20 minutes down the road from his HS. His brother goes here. I can't imagine we're not recruiting him if not for the fact that there isn't mutual interest. Kid wants to get away and set his own path--it's a pretty smart idea.

He also doesn't really fit what we need right now.

This a quadruple negative? Never seen that before.

I honestly don't understand what you mean by that sentence, but I disagree that he doesn't fit what we need, provided a 3rd scholarship opens up due to AG leaving (what most people would agree is the most likely scenario). I realize that Gaffney could certainly develop into more a true point, but as of right now he seems better suited as the 2nd guard, off the ball. Cole would be our only pure PG, and would be a junior. Having a freshman true PG in this scenario would make a ton of sense.

 

[CL82]

"Start where you are" is good advice.
You must have some annoying stuff in your life already. Don't postpone angst.

Yes. It is my kitchen renovation.

 

[intlzncster]

I realize that Gaffney could certainly develop into more a true point, but as of right now he seems better suited as the 2nd guard, off the ball. Cole would be our only pure PG, and would be a junior. Having a freshman true PG in this scenario would make a ton of sense.

He played point most of his HS/AAU career though. He was recruited as a PG.

I'd be surprised to see a freshman PG come in and play over an experienced sophomore (kids got talent).

 

[superjohn]

This a quadruple negative? Never seen that before.

I honestly don't understand what you mean by that sentence, but I disagree that he doesn't fit what we need, provided a 3rd scholarship opens up due to AG leaving (what most people would agree is the most likely scenario). I realize that Gaffney could certainly develop into more a true point, but as of right now he seems better suited as the 2nd guard, off the ball. Cole would be our only pure PG, and would be a junior. Having a freshman true PG in this scenario would make a ton of sense.

Staff knows better than us, they've seen him a bunch.

 

[Mike Honcho]

This a quadruple negative? Never seen that before.

This made me lol.

 

[Mooch82]

Staff knows better than us, they've seen him a bunch.

For sure. And it may be more related to the player himself than the position. I just am of the opinion that a PG would be a smart way to use that last scholarship if AG leaves (and Cam goes elsewhere). If it's not Diarra, fine, but to me that position makes sense.

 

[husky429]

This a quadruple negative? Never seen that before.

I honestly don't understand what you mean by that sentence, but I disagree that he doesn't fit what we need, provided a 3rd scholarship opens up due to AG leaving (what most people would agree is the most likely scenario). I realize that Gaffney could certainly develop into more a true point, but as of right now he seems better suited as the 2nd guard, off the ball. Cole would be our only pure PG, and would be a junior. Having a freshman true PG in this scenario would make a ton of sense.

I have been reading inordinate amounts of critical theory and case briefings for my grad classes. If I read any more I might go for a quintuple negative.

I don't think we couldn't use a 6'3 scorer (double negative... sorry). I just think at this point, that guy needs to be a shooter, even moreso with Jackson likely coming. Hassan is barely a better shooter than Andre. Having your combo guard and small-forward be non-shooters would be an utter disaster in the NBE. Hassan played a ton of PG for his aau team, but I'm not really sure he's a natural PG. I see him more as a G/W combo. The natural fluidity of his handle and creativity isn't there like you see with someone like Rique or Cole.

And FWIW--Gaffney is much more of a true PG. His assist stats were significantly better in hs if I remember correctly. and he has a better handle overall... he's just pretty stiff dribbling with his left hand when he goes downhill right now.

Didn't Hassan have an offer from Texas tech? He'd do really well there IMO. His toughness is off the charts.

Gaffney vs Hassan HS stats... Keeping in mind that Jalen is a year older. This is a good way to avoid the quintuple negative reading.

PPG: 24.4 vs 14.8
RPG: 5.0 vs 6.1
APG: 6.7 vs 4.6

 

[superjohn]

I have been reading inordinate amounts of critical theory and case briefings for my grad classes. If I read any more I might go for a quintuple negative.

I don't think we couldn't use a 6'3 scorer (double negative... sorry). I just think at this point, that guy needs to be a shooter, even moreso with Jackson likely coming. Hassan is barely a better shooter than Andre. Having your combo guard and small-forward be non-shooters would be an utter disaster in the NBE. Hassan played a ton of PG for his aau team, but I'm not really sure he's a natural PG. I see him more as a G/W combo. The natural fluidity of his handle and creativity isn't there like you see with someone like Rique or Cole.

And FWIW--Gaffney is much more of a true PG. His assist stats were significantly better in hs if I remember correctly. and he has a better handle overall... he's just pretty stiff dribbling with his left hand when he goes downhill right now.

Didn't Hassan have an offer from Texas tech? He'd do really well there IMO. His toughness is off the charts.

Agreed, Diarra is a good fit for Chris Beard.

 

[husky429]

Agreed, Diarra is a good fit for Chris Beard.

Their defense is so fricken good. I've mentioned in a couple PM's that with our length, I'd like to see some more principles they use. I'm not a big fan of the blitzing/hard hedging 1/5 ball screens when we have Carlton on the floor. Tech is just icing everything towards the sideline and helping like maniacs baseline. I love it.

I actually just put together a packet of info on it and cut together some videos for my team. Working on building some drills and talking points. I really like that there aren't a lot of "if x does this then.. but if x does..". It's literally "no middle. Force baseline. Help." The switching rules are something I'll need to change but it's not too difficult.

But

The most exciting thing about Jackson, to me, is how well he fits into Hurley's defensive system. When we put so much pressure on blitzing the actions on the top or wings, it means the 3 and 4 need to be REALLY athletic and ideally shotblockers. Guys like Akok, Sid, and Andre could feast in a system like that. TBH I wouldn't be surprised if we get back to being a great shotblocking team, but it comes from the wings instead of the bigs.

 

[Ant3411]

Looks like another beautiful day in Storrs.

 

[Austin316]

Looks like like another beautiful day in Storrs. View attachment 46708

Perfect temp

 

[navery12]

Looks like another beautiful day in Storrs. View attachment 46708

Looks more like a nice day than a beautiful day

 

[CCSUblue]

Looks like another beautiful day in Storrs. View attachment 46708

Nice

 

[Dove]

This made me lol.

post/signature?

 

[Guapo]

Looks like another beautiful day in Storrs. View attachment 46708

Nice.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I have been reading inordinate amounts of critical theory and case briefings for my grad classes. If I read any more I might go for a quintuple negative.

I don't think we couldn't use a 6'3 scorer (double negative... sorry). I just think at this point, that guy needs to be a shooter, even moreso with Jackson likely coming. Hassan is barely a better shooter than Andre. Having your combo guard and small-forward be non-shooters would be an utter disaster in the NBE. Hassan played a ton of PG for his aau team, but I'm not really sure he's a natural PG. I see him more as a G/W combo. The natural fluidity of his handle and creativity isn't there like you see with someone like Rique or Cole.

And FWIW--Gaffney is much more of a true PG. His assist stats were significantly better in hs if I remember correctly. and he has a better handle overall... he's just pretty stiff dribbling with his left hand when he goes downhill right now.

Didn't Hassan have an offer from Texas tech? He'd do really well there IMO. His toughness is off the charts.

Gaffney vs Hassan HS stats... Keeping in mind that Jalen is a year older. This is a good way to avoid the quintuple negative reading.

PPG: 24.4 vs 14.8
RPG: 5.0 vs 6.1
APG: 6.7 vs 4.6

Nailed it. I don't know enough about Diarra really, but it seems clear he's not the right 3rd player in this class.

We need a wing (preferably a big wing) and a center. Any third player should really be a scorer. Obviously Cam fits, but in a hypothetical where we get Jackson and Cliff, and not Cam. I'd favor focusing on a grad transfer and moving that ship to 2021-20, when we will need to bring in a PG and one or two 4/5s.

 

[ThabeetDown]

I've promised my self not to post anymore footage of recruits before they officially commit, for mojo's sake. There is a full game of Jalen Gaffney's Westtown vs Andre Jackson's Albany Acd. on youtube. Highlight plays from both guys, Jalen lighting it up from three and noticably comfortable in 3 guard sets on or off the ball.

Jackson is electrifying. Plays bigger than 6'6(middle of their zone for stretches) and is a highlight reel in transition like posters have mentioned. Pulls in a missed shot and flies down the court to create an early look for a teamate or finish at the rim, this aspect of his game reminds me of lonzo ball. Comfortable putting the ball on the floor. Took an iso 3 early on in the game that looked smooth. High hopes the confidence in his shot will really improve. Exciting player!

I watched that clip, a few observations as I watched:
-Gaffney reminds me a lot of Jalen Adams (the good parts of Jalen Adams) where he kind of glides around the court and has an effortless looking outside shot -- but a much better passer. Even when he's not dishing out assists, a lot of his passes lead to assists
-The athleticism of Jackson is crazy. He doesn't look like Rudy or Sticks did (less physically imposing than them) but holy **** when he gets up he GETS UP. It looks so effortless but he is so explosive and goes at the rim with authority.
- Jackson was by far the best player on his team and often had to do a lot of the facilitating and scoring, especially bringing the ball up after a rebound or on a break. I think he'll definitely benefit from not having to be the #1 guy and with his athleticism can be a huge threat on fast breaks when Coach Hurley likes to push the ball. Being able to be a traditional wing more than a point forward will be great for him
-Jackson's motor is great, especially on D.
-Because he's the point forward, Jackson has pretty good vision. He can definitely be a secondary ball-handler, but if he is a third ball handler that's even better. He's not at DHam level, but he could maybe get there. He made a lot of passes that I was not expecting him to have the foresight to even attempt
-Jackson's quickness is underrated, especially with the ball in his hand. He was the fastest player on the court multiple times throughout the game (even when Gaffney was on)
-Really like what I saw from Gaffney on perimeter D. Looks fundamentally sound and had a few steals/tipped passes that led to fastbreak points.
-Jackson got off to a slow start (only 4 pts at half) but even though he wasn't scoring, he was facilitating which is a great sign that he was still finding ways to impact the game outside of scoring
-Gaffney hit a 4 3's, including 3 in a row early 2nd half. Definitely does not lack the confidence to shoot, but looks to be a bit of a streaky shooter -- would like to see him develop some consistency on 3s
-Jackson's ability to dribble through traffic on the break and finish was something I was not expecting. His ball-handling continued to impress me
-Even Jackson's routine dunks just look special
-Jackson made 3/4 of his FTs
-There was a great sequence where Gaffney had a perfect bounce pass assist through traffic on a fast break, immediately followed up by a highlight reel putback dunk by Jackson. Wow to that dunk. Box him out, folks!
-Gaffney had a nice drive initiating contact to get to the line. Made both FTs, good looking stroke. Tried to initiate next time down but didn't get the call -- definitely something our team has been missing the past few years (which other teams obviously exploited a lot with AAC officials). Did it later in the game again, got the and-1 and made the FT.
-I don't think Jackson had any points that weren't dunks, layups or FTs, so that obviously is a bit of concern. He had an ugly looking floater late in the 4th qtr when they were down by 5 that more or less was their last shot of coming back (they were down most of the game cut it back to 3 but couldn't complete the comeback).
-Gaffney got a T for dunking after the whistle when the game was pretty much over (he had gotten fouled), like c'mon refs

 

[Chief00]

Totally. My gf (who is a Duke fan) and I went to UConn, her sister went to Duke and one of my best friends went to Cuse. All of us love basketball and I get along swimmingly with all of them. You can coexist.

Puck Frovidence, though.

I understand but it’s nice having that Edge sometimes!

 

[MattMang23]

Chief understands but it’s nice having that Edge sometimes!

FIFY

 

[the Q]

I’m not sure Jackson is the best fit for the roster. But a guy with his athleticism and defensive chops will always contribute something.

Now lock him in a gym with one of those giant passing machines.

 

[husky429]

I’m not sure Jackson is the best fit for the roster. But a guy with his athleticism and defensive chops will always contribute something.

Now lock him in a gym with one of those giant passing machines.

I wondered the same thing at first. Defensively, he's an obvious fit. His passing and ballhandling would make him a great 3 for us, since he's that big guard Hurley likes. The only issue is the shooting. I think it just means all of our other guards need to be shooters.

He needs a shooting coach. Get his hand off the front of the ball and raise the set point. It is ugly.

 

[UConnStats]

Slater just picked us too FWIW