Josh Jackson, Kansas Jayhawks
Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 20 (2/10/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7.75″, 203 pounds, 6’9.75″
2016-17 Slash Line: .511/.377/.559
2016-17 Season Averages: 30.7 MPG, 16.4 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 0.9 3PM
The Kansas Jayhawks have been a force of nature and Josh Jackson may be the best player on the team. Kansas finished the regular season as the No. 1 team in the country and Jackson was one of the featured two-way players.
If the New York Knicks are looking at prospects who aren’t point guards, then it’s Jackson who should be at the top of the list.
Jackson is an elite athlete, a capable facilitator, an exceptional rebounder, a versatile defender, and an improving shooter with an outstanding work ethic. His defense is a product of both coaching and his self-motivated nature as a competitor.
The fact that Jackson is a natural playmaker is just as much of a factor in his appeal, as he’s proven to be more than capable of facilitating the offense.
There are unproven aspects of Jackson’s game, but he’s one of the most dynamic athletes in the country. That natural athleticism is the foundation for his success, as he can overpower, outrun, and out-leap a vast majority of his teammates.
If the Knicks are looking for a player to either start at shooting guard or become Carmelo Anthony’s heir apparent, Jackson is the guy.