What are NBA Draft prospects for UConn men's basketball star Andre Jackson? 'He's in a tricky spot'

[husky429]

That's nonsense. The only place on earth where someone can learn to shoot a basketball is in the NBA ? Flat out not true.

Have you heard the word "strawman" before? You're embarrassing yourself.

Our coaching staff is on the road all summer recruiting. Practice hours are limited. And they're generalists by nature--they need to recruit, coach games, do team practices, individual practices... all of it.

Andre had a solid plan for improvement this summer. He's talked about it. But it simply can't compare to the 24/7/365 access to guys that are specifically hired for one job: individual player development.

It's the difference between seeing a primary care physician once a week or seeing a cardiologist every day for 2 hours. You're going to get a better diagnosis and improve faster if you're working with the specialist for more hours.

 

[jibsey]

I guess the draft will dictate the tale. Does UCONN have a shooting coach number one? Number two, did anyone even try to change his shot?It almost seems impossible that in all this time it hasn’t been tried with the end result being Andre going back to the way he’s comfortable during game pressure situations.
Let’s break down his shot. He pushes the ball with some wrist action . Does it on 3’s, does it on floaters in the lane.
watch these 2023 Andre NCAA Tourney highlights:
It’s perfectly normal for UConn fans to be smiling and drooling after watching.
We all want him back of course because……we would see a lot more of this:

 

[Rocktheworld]

He does need shooting coaching that only the G-league could offer. But as far as money goes, could he not theoretically make more money via NIL as a senior on a UConn team that could plow their way into another deep tournament run?

 

[Rocktheworld]

Have you heard the word "strawman" before? You're embarrassing yourself.

Our coaching staff is on the road all summer recruiting. Practice hours are limited. And they're generalists by nature--they need to recruit, coach games, do team practices, individual practices... all of it.

Andre had a solid plan for improvement this summer. He's talked about it. But it simply can't compare to the 24/7/365 access to guys that are specifically hired for one job: individual player development.

It's the difference between seeing a primary care physician once a week or seeing a cardiologist every day for 2 hours. You're going to get a better diagnosis and improve faster if you're working with the specialist for more hours.

I think you’re talking to the guy who blocked me after I dragged him for saying that Syracuse winters are essentially the same as CT winters lol

 

[CTBasketball]

On a more obvious note, if his shot doesn’t improve quickly enough in the NBA/G-League he will definitely be given up on. He isn’t a Markele Fultz 1st overall pick with millions invested.

 

[Umami Zen]

IMO.. Andre and Adama's value will never be higher than it is now as a result of their growth and success this year. .And obviously the team's success. With all of that being said.. If the NBA is not placing high first round value on either of them even after this year.. At the peak of their value.. What would staying another year(in college) accomplish for enhancing their draft value when contrasted with gaining focused attention from skill development coaches at the pro level to work on their perceived deficiencies?? More upside to go than stay.. As Adama believes.

There are 2 teams that have three first round picks.. Ind/Char.. Ind has also has pick #32 2nd round.. Charl has 2 first rounds and picks 34/39.. Four other teams have 2 first round picks.. Depending on trade packages/needs/draft day movement to trade up or down.. Could easily see Andre being taken within the first 40 picks of the draft .. Is it enough guaranteed money for him ?? Up to his family and agent..Could he make more by staying and having a higher draft position/guaranteed money next year?? Debatable but probably.

Would love to see him stay because he's fun to watch.. If I was Danny--Would be doing what he's doing.. Pushing him hard to look at every angle possible for feedback to take the next step..

 

[Scottobot]

The more I think about it, I think both paths, Pro Now and Pro next year have similar probabilities of success for Andre. I think he will be fine either way. Either way he needs a year or two to build up his scoring abilities. He could do that either in G league or college.

 

[NEforceUConn]

He does need shooting coaching that only the G-league could offer. But as far as money goes, could he not theoretically make more money via NIL as a senior on a UConn team that could plow their way into another deep tournament run?

if AJ is told he’s first round or guaranteed $ then go for it. If not, as I’ve suggested, mentally accept and plan another year at UConn (and maybe another naty) and 1 more as a NIL paid post grad (cough cough Kansas/Miami/$EC). Then go to overseas.

He will make bank and enjoy 2 more great college years. He is a smart family oriented kid so make a sound plan for future and don’t get jerked around with G league bs.

 

[BGesus4]

Somebody reported (maybe Dauster) that he doesn’t want to play in the G League over college (which he loves). So, he’s basically seeing if he can get a real shot in the league next year. If not, he’d rather come back for his senior year.

 

[navery12]

if AJ is told he’s first round or guaranteed $ then go for it. If not, as I’ve suggested, mentally accept and plan another year at UConn (and maybe another naty) and 1 more as a NIL paid post grad (cough cough Kansas/Miami/$EC). Then go to overseas.

He will make bank and enjoy 2 more great college years. He is a smart family oriented kid so make a sound plan for future and don’t get jerked around with G league bs.

I have no idea why you're so adamant about shipping Jackson off to an SEC school, it's a really strange look

 

[Connecticut13]

Have you heard the word "strawman" before? You're embarrassing yourself.

Our coaching staff is on the road all summer recruiting. Practice hours are limited. And they're generalists by nature--they need to recruit, coach games, do team practices, individual practices... all of it.

Andre had a solid plan for improvement this summer. He's talked about it. But it simply can't compare to the 24/7/365 access to guys that are specifically hired for one job: individual player development.

It's the difference between seeing a primary care physician once a week or seeing a cardiologist every day for 2 hours. You're going to get a better diagnosis and improve faster if you're working with the specialist for more hours.

In theory, this is right. But if that were completely true, then every top player should bypass college for the G League, Overtime Elite or even a professional European league.

There's something to be said about working with coaches that know you best (the UConn staff knows Andre far better than a G-League staff does) and where you're most comfortable. And playing in the G League can be demoralizing -- often little attendance, typically not televised, etc.

He'll get plenty of attention and practice time at UConn. Basketball would still be his primary focus. At some point, the law of diminishing returns kicks in. I don't know that the G-League provides any considerable advantage really -- but I acknowledge that reasonable minds can disagree.

I do know that many players seem to get lost in the G-League. There are certainly some success stories -- but many once promising athletes play in obscurity for a couple years and then ultimately go to Europe.

 

[NEforceUConn]

I have no idea why you're so adamant about shipping Jackson off to an SEC school, it's a really strange look

For a grad year after winning a 6th at UConn. I don’t think he can do a grad year at UConn ( I thought it had to be somewhere else by NCAA rules?)

 

[navery12]

For a grad year after winning a 6th at UConn. I don’t think he can do a grad year at UConn ( I thought it had to be somewhere else by NCAA rules?)

No, that's only the Ivy League that has that rule. If he wanted to he could play 2 more years at UConn

 

[Stinger92860]

Look. I'm gonna say it:
Do I want him to succeed in the NBA? YES
But just do it AFTER this upcoming year.
Come back and make that 4,000 page nick timberlake thread a bygone trifle. (Yes. I know we still need a shooter)

He needs to learn a jump shot straight up, off a screen and off the dribble. I cannot believe he has not learned. Hope Ray or Hawk works with him. Maybe NBA feedback will get him to change. If he can change the shot, add one more zero to his Lifetime earning potential and maybe another natty,

 

[Stinger92860]

I feel like this is him being unselfish to a fault. In his first two years he was making high IQ passes that his teammates weren’t ready for when he maybe should have taken it to the hoop, and this year he looked to facilitate first to players who know we’re ready for those passes. I think he easily could have averaged 20ppg even with a lack in shooting ability, but didn’t bc it’s not who he is. That may now come back to bite him bc people don’t see him as a scorer.

20ppg, no way unfortunately.

 

[Chief00]

I cringe every time I see a poster suggest some random former player should coach. Rip and Ray have no idea how to coach basketball. Refining and perfecting your shot as a player is an entirely different beast than overhauling Andre's broken shot.

You realize Ray has coached his son.

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

Well Ray does coach HS now and he's definitely a technician who works on the finer points of shooting with players, so I would disagree on Ray.

The random pointing to great players to teach a guy how to play is annoying, so I agree with your overall point. Just don't think this was that same thing.

Didn’t Hawkins workout with Rip over last summer to be better at moving without the ball?

 

[Chief00]

If Andre stays another year, he’s a 1st Round Draft pick.
The value of a team having a 2/3 defender is huge. He’s a gifted passer, adequate ball handler and a very good rebounder. His scoring will come with work, time and a focused mental approach on visualizing the ball going in the basket. Andre is an awesome player in the open court and a great teammate.

 

[NEforceUConn]

No, that's only the Ivy League that has that rule. If he wanted to he could play 2 more years at UConn

Thanks. So 2 more glorious years at UConn

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

Him coming back really depends on if he thinks he can work to be a first rounder if he isn’t one this year.

If that’s possible it’s worth it to make teams more invested in his development. Would hate for him to go to the wrong team in the 2nd round where they have no plan for him. He’ll never be a 15 PPG scorer but if he can at least show the ability to get to the rim consistently and get his 3PT shot up to about 33%, it may be able to do wonders.

 

[NEforceUConn]

If Andre stays another year, he’s a 1st Round Draft pick.
The value of a team having a 2/3 defender is huge. He’s a gifted passer, adequate ball handler and a very good rebounder. His scoring will come with work, time and a focused mental approach on visualizing the ball going in the basket. Andre is an awesome player in the open court and a great teammate.

Chief - His stock is at its highest now, not next year.

 

[Hoophound]

Really, really difficult decision for any GM because his game is so unique. Like it says... he's basically the total package of an NBA wing, except he can't score at all. Elite defense, rebounding, passing, good handles for his size. Leadership... EVERYTHING, but this weird physical or mental hang-up keeping him from being able to score.

I think Andre needs to go. In the college environment, he doesn't have the level of coaching to develop that shot. There just isn't enough time allowed. He's had 3 years to do it with no appreciable change in his scoring ability. If it's going to happen, it's going to be with a 1:1 shooting coach that an NBA team can provide over a couple years in the G-League. If he's able to collect a half-way decent paycheck, he should. His stock is never going to be higher.

I think he can do it in college if he wants to. The decision just needs to be made to completely rebuild his shot. They've had him practice shooting and he's gotten better, but they haven't done a rebuild.

My fear with guys going early when they aren't ready is their confidence and star power fades. I think it is better to enter the league feeling confident and capable than it is to claw your way in and then fight for a spot. Starting out as a solid first round pick gives you some cache and a longer rope at first. NIL money makes it that much more appealing to stay in college. I'd be very torn if I were him, but either way, he's got to get started rebuilding his shot asap.

 

[UConnRock]

I am sure AJ has had people working on his shooting form since high school. It is something that was/is obvious to all who ever watched him play. At this point there is no quick fix by Ray, RIP or anybody else. AJ has to see whether his other skills (athleticism, defense, rebounding, court awareness, passing, ect..) are enough to get him an NBA contract. If he gets drafted he should take the next step and see if an NBA training/coaching can improve his offense skill set, as it has been proven that the college practice/coaching program is making no discernible improvement in shooting. If he gets negative feedback from the scouts, then coming back to UConn is something he will hopefully cherish.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Maybe NBA feedback will get him to change.

I honestly don't understand posts like this. Do you think Andre would be surprised by the feedback that he can't shoot?

 

[tzznandrew]

For a grad year after winning a 6th at UConn. I don’t think he can do a grad year at UConn ( I thought it had to be somewhere else by NCAA rules?)

Am I missing something? If he comes back and plays next year at UConn, he'll have played 4 seasons in 4 years, and he doesn't get the COVID year...so there really isn't an SEC (or UConn) postgrad opportunity.