South Carolina Basketball: Gamecock star makes NBA All-Rookie team

After one year with the South Carolina basketball team, star wing GG Jackson was taken later than he expected in the 2023 NBA Draft. In the end, the talented combo forward was the 45th overall selection (2nd round) of the Memphis Grizzlies last summer.

Because he was a 2nd round pick, Jackson was put on a two-way contract, meaning that he was to be used at both the NBA level with the Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA G League level with the Memphis Hustle. However, even with that designation holding him back a bit, it didn't take long for the Columbia-area native to stick in the Association.

Jackson became a full-time NBA player in January, and despite having six games played with the Grizzlies in which he wasn't part of the rotation, the NBA's youngest player averaged nearly 15 points per game on the season. Once elevated to the starting lineup, that number jumped to over 20 points per game. As a starter, he also averaged over 5 rebounds per game. On the season, he shot 36% from the 3-point line.

For his stellar rookie campaign, GG Jackson was honored as an NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team player. Had he played the whole season, he almost assuredly would have made the 1st Team. He also signed a long-term contract with the Grizzlies organization.

Considering how successful he was as the NBA's youngest player, the Gamecock alum could be in line to become the South Carolina basketball program's next superstar at the NBA level.

The entire NBA All-Rookie team is listed below:

First Team

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Jaime Vazquez, Jr., Miami Heat
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors

Second Team

GG Jackson II, Memphis Grizzlies
Derrick Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder