South Carolina Basketball: GG Jackson EXPLODES with elite Summer League performance
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina basketball star GG Jackson has had a great start to his NBA career. The former top-overall recruit for the class of 2023 reclassified to 2022 and enrolled early in Columbia but did not quite live up to expectations as a Gamecock. So far, in the early goings of the NBA Summer League, he’s putting things together.
After being taken in the 2nd round of the 2023 NBA Draft, Jackson showed why many thought of him as a 1st-round talent. In his first Summer League action, Jackson scored in double-figures on efficient shooting and showed better-than-expected chops on the defensive end of the floor. He didn’t play as much in the Grizzlies’ second game but still performed well in his limited minutes.
Then last night happened.
On Thursday night, Memphis’ Summer League squad matched up with the Utah Jazz. In 27 minutes of game action, Jackson dropped 23 points on the Jazz and picked up a double-double with 10 rebounds, as well. He shot 4/9 behind the arc and added a blocked shot, something he has been doing very well in Summer League.
Jackson is the youngest player in the NBA currently, and his almost limitless potential on offense has Memphis Grizzlies fans hopeful that he can be a long-time contributor for the franchise. If Jackson can take good shots and continues to perform well on defense, he may find himself on the active roster soon rather than later.
As it stands, this year’s 45th pick of the draft is expected to start the regular season in the G League so that he can get more minutes to aid in his development. However, if Jackson keeps playing at such a high level, he will prove to be too good to keep off the NBA floor.
South Carolina basketball also has multiple other players participating in NBA Summer League, including both AJ Lawson and Chris Silva playing together with the Dallas Mavericks.