[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Gregory “GG” Jackson II
Frame: 6’9″, 215 lbs
Position: Forward
School: South Carolina
Year: Freshman
2023 Draft Age: 18
Stats via sports-reference.com

Offense

GG Jackson is the prototypical NBA forward in the game nowadays. He can break down his defender in isolation and finish through contact at the bucket, using his body control and athleticism. Jackson needs to improve consistency on his three-point shot but knocks down clean open looks in the flow of the offense. His high accuracy areas are the left corner, where he connects at a 60 percent clip and the right-wing area, free throw line extended, where he connects at 55 percent. Other spots on the floor need improvement and better shot selection.

Jackson can be a genuine inside-out threat with his frame and mobility. His handle is above average, allowing him to create opportunities to score the ball or be in control enough to make a play for a teammate. He has a strong body and quick foot speed, enough to blow by opponents, with the basketball IQ to know when to push on the gas.

His frame can accommodate more muscle and some weight without sacrificing his impact. As the NBA increasingly rewards isolation play, Jackson’s ability to generate his own shot will serve him well at the next level. If the defender plays off of him, he favors the midrange fadeaway off a turnaround over either shoulder.

Though he only has three double-doubles this season so far, Jackson rebounds and an extremely high rate. He was within one or two rebounds of double-digits in seven other games. His ability to rebound and push the action down the court due to his ballhandling skills and control is impressive for one of the youngest prospects in this draft class. Jackson is the type of player you can trust leading a break from the defensive glass. He has also shown a keen ability to use his dribble moves to bait defenders in and make the correct pass to a teammate on the cut or an open shooter for a bucket.

Defense

Jackson has also shown impressive defensive skills, with his foot speed, ability to cover lots of ground and guard multiple positions. He doesn’t have a significant wingspan but makes up for it with his commitment to staying with and pestering his assignment. Jackson’s IQ shows on the defensive front, with timing and anticipation. He can also defend the post at a high level. His bounce helps him as a shot blocker off the floor, leading to multiple block games throughout the season. Blocking shots without fouling is valuable, as other younger players may be more foul-prone. Jackson’s body control and ability to contest without fouling sets him apart.

The reads he makes on the defensive end allow him to be in the proper position to box out for a rebound, block a shot or deflect a pass and cause a turnover. He is a disruptor on the defensive side of the ball and has the motor to keep it consistent.

He could improve on staying locked into his assignment. Like most young players, Jackson can have lapses defensively. Those are not the norm but outliers. Jackson’s commitment to the defensive side of the ball will help him get on the court quicker.

Looking Ahead

GG can impose his will as a freshman on the court. Reclassifying does make him one of the youngest prospects in this year’s draft, but his maturity level on the court has shown through in most cases. While he might occasionally disengage, if not a full-time part of the offense, Jackson can usually brush that off and works hard until the final buzzer sounds. His ability to play and defend multiple positions will help him adjust to the next level.

After putting on a few solid pounds of muscle, Jackson could even have the chance to fit in as a small-ball stretch center. His high energy level will lead to positive things in the NBA.

Jackson will be a lottery pick this year with an enormous long-term upside. He doesn’t need plays called for him frequently to impact the game. His activity level around the basket will get him looks from rebounding and putback opportunities, or he can slash and finish in the lane. Jackson can also be the pick-and-pop or pick-and-roll man.

Look for Jackson to find his niche and carve out his role at the next level. Working on shooting consistently from deep and making crisper passes will be needed to see his game jump to another level. His versatility and body remind me of Marcus Morris, with more bounce to his game. Jackson, who is more agile than a bruiser, can have a similar impact.