Kansas Basketball: Why Josh Jackson could make late push for No. 1 overall pick
Kansas basketball’s Josh Jackson is starting to hit a groove on both ends of the floor.
While the 2017 NBA Draft is still more than five months away, it’s never too early to start thinking about the potential number one overall selection. That’s especially true this season as the draft is loaded with high-end prospects who have the potential to be stars at the next level.
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Markelle Fultz is dominating in Washington despite the Huskies lack of success. Jayson Tatum has shown flashes of brilliance with Duke. Lonzo Ball has changed the complexion of the UCLA program with his passing, unselfishness and shooting skills. And Dennis Smith Jr. already has recorded two triple-doubles for NC State.
But the player that has the most upside or intrigue, at least in my opinion, is Josh Jackson. There was plenty of number one overall pick talk in regards to Jackson before the 2016-17 season began, but the freshman’s struggles from beyond the arc, his shaky frame, and his still developing handle became drawbacks against him.
Jackson showed flashes early in the season — he took over Kansas’ game against Duke at Madison Square Garden in the second half before fouling out — but he wasn’t consistent, especially from beyond the arc.
But suddenly, something has clicked for the 6’8″, 207 pound forward.
In his last six games, Jackson is averaging 18.8 points, seven rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 13-of-24 from beyond the arc (54 percent!). He has three double-doubles in his last six, including 20 points and 10 rebounds in a win on the road against Kentucky and 23 points and 10 rebounds in a home victory over Baylor. Finally, against Kansas State last night, Jackson battled foul trouble. However, that didn’t stop him from scoring 18 points and drilling 2-of-3 threes.
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We all know about Jackson’s competitiveness, his underrated passing ability, his defensive ability, his skills operating as an undersized four, his athleticism, his ability to get into the lane and his play in transition.
But if Jackson continues to shoot this way, I don’t just think that he deserves to be the number one pick, but he also will be the best player in this draft class when all is set and done.
And that’s saying something.
Sure, his form is still shaky — he has a hitch in his shot that makes it easier to block— but if it’s dropping, as it has been during this recent stretch, why should it be a question mark? Why should you fix something that isn’t broken? There are plenty of players that have had success with a quirky shooting form at the professional level — Shawn Marion and Kevin Martin are two perfect examples.
The most important asset to have as an NBA prospect is shooting ability. The league has transformed over the years to a fast pace, high possession game that focuses on three-pointers, ball movement, spacing, and quick open shots.
If Jackson isn’t hitting his jumpers consistently, it doesn’t mean he will fall out of the top 10 or that he won’t succeed in the NBA, but his ceiling is significantly lower.
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That’s why this recent development is so critical. Sure, this is a small sample size, but Jackson has looked like the best player on one of the best teams in the nation. And remember, this is a team that has National Player of the Year candidate Frank Mason III and star guard Devonte’ Graham. Jackson has been that good because of his three-point improvements and his aggressiveness.