UNC Basketball: Could 2023 commit GG Jackson leave for South Carolina?

The G League Route

When looking at the success of top prospects that entered the pro route and play for the new NBA G League Ignite Team, it’s mixed to say the least. Just this past season alone, Dyson Daniels ended up as a top-10 pick, while MarJon Beauchamp made it to the first round after a long journey after leaving high school.

On the other hand, former five-star prospect Michael Foster ended up undrafted, while Jaden Hardy was selected at No. 37 overall. He was a previous top-3 prospect in the 2022 recruiting class so his position isn’t the best selling point to someone like Jackson. But Jackson has the kind of skillset that should easily translate and if he were to reclassify, could end up as a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Playing a year early would certainly help his stock for scouts as age is a topic when comparing and discussing top players.

The current roster for the 2022-23 Ignite Team features top-tier guard prospect Scott Henderson, along with Leonard Miller, a 6’9 small forward and currently the only top prospect to pick the G League team. But they did land another player in Efe Abogidi, a 6’10 center from Washington State that entered the portal while in the draft process but ultimately went pro at the lower level instead of staying in the draft.

That opens up the power-forward spot for Jackson to come in and get plenty of minutes to showcase his skills. It can be an appealing option and he’d likely get a nice check from the league to start his pro career early. Would that be better than playing one more year of high school ball if he feels that he’s ready now?