Darnell Jackson Sets Good Screens

Shapecity · Oct 15, 2008

It has been only two weeks, but rookie forward Darnell Jackson has been a big hit in the Cavaliers training camp. Literally.

"The prac tice he had to day was phe nomenal," Cavs coach Mike Brown said before the team left for tonight's pre season game against Boston at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh. "I've got to go back and watch the tape. I felt like he was all over the place. I even told him in front of the team that he might not know what the heck he's doing a lot of times, but he's flying everywhere, and bodies -- guys on his team and the other team -- are falling over. He's always in the mix.

"He's one of the best screeners I've ever been around. The activity on the glass on both sides -- offensively and defensively -- is second to none, especially for a guy his age. I know he's opening my eyes."

Jackson was surprised, and pleased, to hear Brown's assessment. He wasn't sure how he was doing.

"You really don't know," said Jackson, a second-round pick from Kansas who was acquired from the Miami Heat for a 2009 second-round selection. "I've never seen a coach who holds back so much. But when somebody does something good, he'll make sure that he lets you know -- pats you on the head or slaps you on your butt."

The rookie was a tad dismayed to learn the coach has been known to kiss a player now and then -- usually for a good defensive play. But it's unlikely that will dissuade him from continuing to bang. After all, this is a kid who grew up in Oklahoma wanting to play tight end or defensive end for the Sooners.

"I like contact," he said with a smile. "Most guys don't like contact. I just try to lay the first hit."

Jackson is something of a late bloomer, a classic overachiever. He didn't start playing basketball until the ninth grade. Whatever he might lack in skill, he makes up for with hard work and competitiveness.

"I can't get too relaxed or comfortable," Jackson said. "I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing, try to stay consistent. I know that when the season starts, I probably won't be out on the court. So I have to at least try to push myself harder to get in shape and keep my body healthy. Whatever they tell me to do, I just try to do it 110 percent."
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Source: Cleveland.com

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Darnell Jackson Sets Good Screens

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Darnell Jackson Sets Good Screens

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