Former South Carolina basketball star GG Jackson recently was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. The youngest player in the Association had a very productive first year as a professional despite his age.
His success came as a surprise to some because of his late selection in the 2023 NBA Draft (45th overall to the Memphis Grizzlies), but those who are familiar with Jackson knew he was destined for greatness.
Originally the top overall prospect in the high school class of 2023, he reclassified and enrolled at the University of South Carolina for the 2022-2023 season. Things weren't perfect for Jackson in Columbia, but he flashed his tremendous ability and started drawing player comparisons to 9x NBA All-Star Paul George.
Now, George is one of many NBA voices singing Jackson's praises.
On his podcast (aptly named Podcast P with Paul George," George was asked to tell co-hosts Dallas Rutherford and Jackie Long about a player they should be paying more attention to moving forward. George took the time to acknowledge GG Jackson as that player.
The GG agenda continues to grow. pic.twitter.com/iuRlSsltIO
— Alex (@alexwinton_) May 28, 2024
In his response, George lamented that he doesn't "know why this player hasn't had more recognition around the league...for his age and what he has done...he doesn't get talked about enough."
George went on to praise Jackson's abilities as a player but also his production in a tough situation on an injury-riddled Memphis Grizzlies squad that was without three of four of its best players for most of the season. He also said Jackson has "a ton of talent" and is "here to stay" as a legitimate budding star in the NBA.
Jackson's rookie year was good enough that the Grizzlies terminated his two-way contract and signed him to a long-term deal that will keep him in Memphis for, at least, the next three years.