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Arkansas Basketball: Analyzing grad transfer commits for 2020-21 season

By Drew Schmelzer

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 30: Mascot of the Arkansas Razorbacks waves the flag before a game against the Northern Kentucky Norse at Bud Walton Arena on November 30, 2019 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 30: Mascot of the Arkansas Razorbacks waves the flag before a game against the Northern Kentucky Norse at Bud Walton Arena on November 30, 2019 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – FEBRUARY 29: Vance Jackson #2 of the New Mexico Lobos (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – FEBRUARY 29: Vance Jackson #2 of the New Mexico Lobos (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Vance Jackson – New Mexico

Jackson (11.1 Pts, 5.3 Reb, 1.3 Ast), like Smith, is a former top 100 recruit. Also, like Smith, he’s a versatile athlete who can go inside and outside, ranking second in rebounding for the Lobos in 2019-20 while also shooting 34% from 3-point range. His 6’9 frame and natural position of small forward make him a slightly tougher matchup than Smith, however. They should feed off each other nicely.

One of Jackson’s biggest strengths is his efficiency as a shooter, and that will be critical for the Razorbacks. Jackson’s true shooting percentage (accounts for 2 pt FGs, 3 pt FGs and FTs) of .549 in 19-20 will be the best on the roster going into next season. If he can get even better from his 34% clip beyond the arc and spread the floor it will further open things up for Musselman’s offense.

Jackson’s well-traveled college career started at UConn and took him across the country to New Mexico and that doesn’t speak poorly on him at all. In each of his three seasons of college basketball he has been a contributor, and at times, his team’s go-to scorer, but with one year left there is more that he has to offer at this level. That’s where the perfect fit between Jackson and Arkansas comes into play.

There’s nobody better than Musselman at taking a once high – profile guy who has underperformed a bit and making him into an All-Conference or potentially All-American performer. He has done it before, and Jackson has the metrics to be that next guy.

Vance Jackson’s 2020-21 Prediction: Starting Small Forward – 13.1 pts, 6.5 reb, 2 ast in 30 minutes per game

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