Potential lottery pick Gregory ‘GG’ Jackson declares for NBA draft
South Carolina freshman Gregory “GG” Jackson II on Friday announced that he will forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility and enter the 2023 NBA draft.
Jackson was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team after averaging 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in 32 games. He was fifth in the country in scoring among first-year players and had the most 20-point games (11) by a Gamecocks freshman since the team joined the SEC in 1991.
The 6-foot-9 forward proved a great scorer this season with his ability to create for himself and space the floor. He is projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick in the NBA draft this year after excelling on the offensive end of the floor.
Go be 𝑮𝑮reat, 2️⃣-3️⃣. 🤙#Gamecocks🐔🏀 // #ForeverToThee pic.twitter.com/RsETydfJVi
— Gamecock Men's Basketball (@GamecockMBB) March 24, 2023
Jackson will need to improve as a shooter, after converting 32.4% on 5.3 attempts, but teams will love his ability as a creator and playmaker on offense. The inefficiency is likely his biggest question mark, though, it is something that can be corrected over time.
He would be the Gamecocks’ first first-round draft pick since 2006.
