South Carolina Basketball: Former Gamecock picks up first NBA double-double

South Carolina basketball alum GG Jackson began his rookie season as a professional on a two-way contract, meaning he was expected to spend much of the season playing in the NBA G League.

However, after starting the year with the Memphis Hustle, the Memphis Grizzlies called Jackson up to the NBA level for good in January. The youngest player in the association has burst onto the scene with the Grizz, earning a starting spot, making history on multiple occasions, and signing a long-term contract with the team (he was able to sign a long-term deal because he was drafted out of the South Carolina basketball program as a 2nd-rounder, meaning he was eligible for an extension immediately).

Jackson's latest milestone came on Wednesday as he logged his first career double-double, scoring 15 points and pulling down 12 rebounds in a victory over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

In what became a 10-point victory over the Bucks, Jackson shot 50% from the field (6-12), canned two 3-pointers, threw down two dunks, led both teams in rebounding (12), and led both teams in +/- rating (+19).

You can watch some of his highlights from the game here.

The 15-point outing marked GG Jackson's 12th-straight game scoring in double-figures, including two separate games with at least 30 points. During that stretch of strong play, Jackson set career-high numbers in scoring (35), field goals made (11), 3-pointers made (7), rebounds (12), assists (4), and steals (3). In those 12 games, Jackson has averaged 19 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 45% from the field and 36% from behind the 3-point arc.

When the Grizzlies get star guards Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart back next season, the Grizzlies could be a darkhorse NBA Finals contender, and the emergence of GG Jackson as a versatile shooter is a big reason why.