South Carolina basketball product GG Jackson has exploded onto the NBA scene as one of the league's most surprising rookies.
The Columbia native spent much of the early portion of the season with the Memphis Hustle, the Memphis Grizzlies G-League affiliate, on a 2-way contract. However, since being called up to the NBA squad, Jackson has been really good.
Since his call-up, Jackson has played at least 12 minutes in 8 games. In those games, he is averaging 12.3 points per game, 4 rebounds per night, 1 block per game, has made multiple 3-pointers in 7 of those 8 contests, and is shooting 55.1% from the field and 52.5% from the perimeter.
Jackson has showed off his elite athleticims, as well, throwing down some impressive dunks and running the floor really well in transition on both offense and defense.
In back-to-back games in January, Jackson made NBA history in several ways. He became the second youngest player ever to have two 20-point games in a row (behind LeBron James), he was the youngest player in over two seasons to score 20 points in a game, he was the fourth youngest ever to score 20 points off the bench (behind Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and Jermain O'Neal), he was the youngest player ever to score 20 points and grab 5 rebounds in 18 years, and he was the second youngest player ever to score 20 points, grab 5 rebounds, and make 2 3-pointers (behind LeBron James).
Yet, Jackson's January was not enough to land him on the NBA Rising Stars Game roster. The game, which features stars from the rookie class, sophomore class, and the G-League (where Jackson was also excelling) will not have GG Jackson in it.
Jackson is much more deserving a spot than some of the players announced for the game, but he will not have the opportunity to compete at the All-Star Game weekend festivities. He will have another opportunity next season to be selected as a sophomore.