Andre Jackson Jr. emerged as a great defender last season at UConn, but it is his offensive game that he is working to improve during the pre-draft process.
Jackson helped the Huskies claim their fifth national title this year after averaging 6.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.1 steals. He was one of eight players in the country to record at least 225 points, 200 rebounds and 150 assists.
The 6-foot-6 Jackson shot 43.2% from the field, including 28.1% from 3-point range on 2.5 attempts per game. He is putting in plenty of time in the gym working to improve his shot mechanics and said it has been his biggest point of emphasis of late.
It has been a great emphasis. I know that is the biggest weakness in my game so that is something I’m going to be working on for the entirety of my career, trying to get that to as good as I can. Working on just getting it off quicker, shooting it with confidence, getting full extension on my shot and looking at the rim as soon as I catch it.
While he is improving his shot, he believes the rest of his game will translate well to the next level. He is viewed as a potential first-round pick this year, in large part because of his ability as a rebounder and his potential to develop into a lockdown defender.
Jackson led the Big East in defensive box plus-minus (plus-5.1) and ranked 13th among all players in the country in that category. That was on full display throughout the season and into the postseason as the Huskies won the title.
I think the things I do well definitely translate — rebounding, playing defense, being a glue guy. I think all of those things translate. Playing with high-level players just makes it that much easier; guys who make tough shots, guys that know how to play the game well, run the lanes well and also have just as high of an IQ as I do.
Jackson retained the right to return to school when he declared for the draft last month. He was among the prospects that worked out with the Indiana Pacers on Friday and previously visited the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets.
He will compete in the draft combine next week and then likely participate in more workouts ahead of the May 31 withdrawal deadline to return to school. He has yet to formally decide on his future next season but is focused on staying present at the moment.
“I’m going into these workouts with the mentality that I’m going to the NBA,” Jackson said. “I’m working every day to try to compete to be at that level and I think am. I’m definitely thinking about going so it is all about sticking to it and not letting anything in the future get in the way of what’s going on right now.”
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Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire