Thought of as one of the Draft’s most NBA-ready prospects, Josh Jackson’s road to June 22 began long ago in nearby Napa, California.
One year removed from a Michigan state title, Jackson transferred to Prolific Prep in California as a high school junior, averaging 31 points, 18 rebounds and five assists per game. Soon after, the guard-forward showed out in the 2016 McDonald’s All-American Game, tying for game-high with 19 points.
Ranked as 2016’s number one recruit in the nation by several outlets, the Californian joined the Kansas Jayhawks for his sole collegiate season. With Kansas University, the standout recorded 13 double-doubles while tallying accolade after accolade. Between All-Big 12 First Team, Big 12 Freshman of the Year and the several All-American distinctions, it’s no surprise the 20-year-old declared for the NBA Draft.
In 35 games, Jackson averaged 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists in just over 30 minutes per outing.
Between his excellent court vision, physical defense, workhorse rebounding and various scoring tools, Josh’s varying skills are a rarity for a 6-foot-8 prospect, allowing him to make an impact consistently.
On 15 shot attempts versus Texas Tech in February, Jackson tallied 31 points, 11 rebounds and dished four helpers. In November versus UNC-Asheville, No. 11 finished with 14 points, seven assists, four rebounds, three blocks and two steals. These two widely different game logs show the nature of who Jackson is a player – a dynamic influencer on both ends of the court that does whatever is needed, and has the ability to do it well.