Draft Capsule: Robert Jackson

Discussion in 'NBA Draft' started by Shapecity, Jun 23, 2003.

  1. Shapecity

    Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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    VITALS: 6-9, 254, senior, Marquette

    OVERVIEW: Jackson was named to the Portsmouth Invitational all-tournament team after averaging 17.3 points and 14.0 rebounds. Jackson played his senior season at Marquette in his native Milwaukee and averaged career highs of 15.4 points and 7.5 rebounds as he helped the Golden Eagles to their first Final Four appearance since 1977. Jackson turned in a huge effort in an NCAA Tournament win over Kentucky with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Jackson spent his first three college seasons at Mississippi State and averaged 11.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in his final year with the Bulldogs in the 2000-01 campaign.

    LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Second round. Jackson's strong showing at Chicago, in which he averaged 13 points and six rebounds while converting on 14-of-18 shots and 11-of-13 free throws, opened a lot of eyes among NBA personnel officials. Some would argue Jackson was the best post player in the camp. It would be hard to imagine someone not scooping up Jackson in the second round.

    COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Othella Harrington

    COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Sharone Wright

    ROLE PROJECTION: Key reserve

    POSITIVES: With his back to the basket, Jackson is a tremendous scorer. He understands how to use his body, has good footwork and a soft release. Jackson also hits his foul shots with unusual accuracy. He showed marked improvement from his junior to senior year in that area of the game and gets to the charity stripe on a regular basis.

    SHORTCOMINGS: Jackson is a surprisingly poor rebounder given his physical stature. Even though he is a slow leaper - Jackson had just 25 blocked shots in 119 collegiate games - he could be more productive on the glass if he worked on his positioning. Jackson also needs to develop his mid-range game. As a college center, his lack of shooting and ballhandling skills were not a problem. In the NBA, however, Jackson will have to venture outside of the lane because of his forward size.

    WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Robert Jackson has a chance to get drafted late in the second round. He's a big kid who was well-coached. He has to work a little bit on his coordination and balance." Detroit Pistons director of scouting George David
     

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