NBA Draft 2023: 8 early entry decisions to monitor for next month

Andre Jackson – Uconn – 6’6, 210 lbs – November 2001

Jackson was the best version of a glue guy last season, doing a bunch of little things to help lead Uconn to the title. He is an elite passer for his size, thriving on transition opportunities. Jackson is elite at grabbing a rebound, and pushing the ball the other way to punish defenders. He has good speed with the ball and is an explosive leaper around the rim.

In the half-court is where things seem to get bogged down for Jackson. Defenses would completely ignore him at times, going under every screen and daring him to shoot. Jackson found ways to be effective as a cutter and offensive rebounder, but at times his lack of shooting killed their spacing. It’s going to take creativity to optimize his skills and hide his weaknesses at the next level (which Uconn figured out late in the season).

Jackson is another example of “well if he shoots, he can really help himself”. But, after his three-point percentage regressed this season and he seemingly has little touch around the rim, I don’t buy it at all. He’s riding the high of a National Title run right now, and should probably just leave while his stock is likely the highest it will be. He sits at No. 45 on RookieScale’s consensus big board and No. 30 on ESPN’s big board.

Uconn already lost Jordan Hawkins and presumably Adama Sanogo from last year’s title team. But, pieces are forming for them to be elite again. Backup center Donovan Clingan has announced his return, and he should be one of the best rim-protectors in the sport. Add in starting wing Alex Karraban, five-star freshman guard Stephon Castle, and Tristen Newton (also testing the draft waters right now but expected to return). If Jackson comes back, he’s the versatile-swiss army knife, four-man that can help elevate them back to that level. But even without him, the Huskies should still be very good.