Name: Pierre Jackson
Age: 21
Height: 5-foot-10
Position: Point Guard
School/Country: Baylor
Latest Stats: 19.8 ppg, 7.1 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.5 spg
Pierre Jackson has become quite the success story over the past few years. From the junior college ranks to the Big 12 Conference, Jackson has continued to evolve and emerge as a legitimate NBA prospect. Well, now Jackson is moving onto the next chapter in his playing career, looking like an early-to-mid second round selection in the 2013 NBA Draft.
Jackson was named the JUCO National Player of the Year in 2011 before two tremendous seasons at Baylor really put him on the NBA radar. Jackson provided the Bears with an instant impact, helping guide the team to the Elite 8 in 2012 and an NIT Championship here in 2013. At 5-foot-10, Jackson is quite undersized, but he continues to find ways to produce. From scoring to passing, Jackson has plenty of skills that are necessary to run a team at the point guard position and for those that are worried about his size — don’t be, you see what Nate Robinson has done. Well, the two are similar in size, heart and talent.
Strengths: Jackson has lightning quick speed and he can score the basketball in a variety of ways. Jackson can hit the three ball, but his first step is so quick that he has no trouble blowing past even the most athletic of defenders. Jackson has exceptional play making abilities and he had no trouble providing an instant impact at Baylor.
Weaknesses: At 5-foot-10, Jackson’s size if of course his biggest weakness. There’s not much he can do about that though other than play and improve the game that has he has continued to make a living off of. Jackson’s biggest on-the-court attribute that needs work is his ability to limit turnovers. Jackson sometimes was too out of control for his own good, averaging 3.4 turnovers per game this past season. Those will need to be limited if he hopes to maintain a roster spot.
Draft Projection: Early-to-Mid Second Round
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
