Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: Top small forwards for 2016-17 season

By Blake Cockrum

Mar 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) reacts during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the championship game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) reacts during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the championship game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) shoots the ball against Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) during the first half in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Final Four at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) shoots the ball against Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) during the first half in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Final Four at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Justin Jackson, North Carolina

2015-16 Season
12.2 PPG
3.9 RPG
2.8 APG

Justin Jackson arrived in Chapel Hill two years ago as a highly touted five-star recruit out of Homeschool Christian Youth in Spring, Texas. According to 247Sports, Jackson was the ninth best player in the class of 2014 and the number-one small forward.

Of the nine other players ranked in the 2014 top 10, all are currently on NBA rosters with the exception of Cliff Alexander. Alexander was recently waived by the Portland Trail Blazers and is now playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA Development League.

Jackson declared for the NBA draft in 2016, testing the waters via the combine and other workouts. Jackson took his time throughout the process, waiting until mid-May to pull out of the draft.

After conversations with UNC head coach Roy Williams, and receiving feedback from NBA scouts, Jackson felt it was best to return to UNC for his junior season.

https://twitter.com/JoelBerryII/status/732366976912396288

So how have the Tar Heels managed to hold on to Jackson for so long when many of his counterparts in the class of 2014 have moved on from college to the NBA?

More than anything, he’s been patient. He’s trusted the advice he’s been given and he’s willing to work on his game in order to be the best player he can be.

Jackson was recruited in high school as a long, lengthy wing player with a good mid-range game and an unstoppable floater. He was also recruited for his ability to step outside and hit the three. It’s the latter that’s been the biggest challenge for him as he begins his junior season at UNC.

While his mid-range game and floater have lived up to expectations, his inability to consistently step outside and hit shots from long-range has been well documented. Jackson tends to shoot better in the later stages of the season, but if he could find his shooting touch in November it would greatly benefit him and the Tar Heels.

Jackson averaged 12.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game as a sophomore. His NCAA Tournament stats were very similar, though his shooting percentages from the three-point line and the free throw line were improved from his regular season averages.

Jackson has been very good overall, but he’s better than what his stats allude to. Once he starts hitting shots from outside, the numbers will reflect that. He’s got the ability to be one of the best players in the country at his position and he should be an All-ACC performer in 2017.

His additional time spent at UNC, rather than joining his peers in the NBA, could substantially raise his draft stock and prove to be beneficial for him in the end.

Next: 4. Jayson Tatum

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