Demetrius Jackson is a point guard from the University of Notre Dame. Jackson is 6’1 and has a wingspan of 6’5. For the year, he averaged, 36.0 minutes per game, 15.8 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, 4.7 assists per game, 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 45.1% from the field, and 33.1% from three.
Pros:
- Capable scorer
- Three point range
- Great decision maker
- Good distributor
- Runs the pick-and-roll effectively
- Great finisher at the rim
- Good free throw shooter
- Good all-around defensive player
- Quick hands on defense
- Explosive leaper
- Tough player
Cons:
- Size
- Jump shot consistency
- Cannot be a top option on offense
- Passing skills
- Defensive awareness
- No a factor on the boards
- Lacks leadership skills
- Older player for the draft class
Overall:
Demetrius Jackson decided to go back to Notre Dame, and he never really separated himself from the rest of the pack, therefore not improving his draft stock like many believed he would.Being the focal point of the offense, Jackson saw his shooting percentages drop across the board causing many people to become weary of him for the next level.
On offense, Jackson can do it all for your team. He still has a lot of work to do as a point guard, especially for the next level. As a scorer, Jackson is most efficient when attacking the basket. Even though he is a smaller player, Jackson fights through contact to get easy baskets. If he does draw a call, Jackson is a good free throw shooter, which always translates to the next level. His mid-range jumper is a cause for concern, as it can go cold for long periods of time with no signs of him heating up. On the three point line, Jackson saw his numbers plummet this season, mainly from the fact he was the go-to player and scorer for Notre Dame this season. In terms of being a point guard, Jackson is a willing distributor, his passing just needs some work. His passes never go in stride with his teammates, usually making them have to create for themselves. Point guards need to have capable leadership qualities to thrive at the next level, and Jackson never showed this outright during his one season as the man in college.
Defensively, Jackson has all the skills to be a good defender at the next level. His smaller size and length is a bit of a concern, but Kyle Lowry, and many other smaller point guards have proved you do not need to be 6’5 to be an effective point guard in the league. His on-ball defense is great. Jackson uses his footwork, and controls his man, not allowing for them to get by easily. On the perimeter, Jackson reads his opponent well, and uses his basketball knowledge to contain them. At the next level, Jackson will have to beef up a bit, as he will be facing much quicker and stronger guards than what he was currently matchup up against. Opposing guards do need to watch out, as Jackson has quick hands to accumulate steals, which lead to easy points for himself. In terms of his defensive awareness, Jackson can slouch when his man does not have the ball, and with the agility and speed of guards at the net level, he will need to step up this part of his game, and be focused all the time.
As an overall, Jackson seems to be destined for a backup role at the next level, with the capabilities to become an average to little above average starter with further development. He is a good offensive player. If he is starting, Jackson is a good third option, capable of stretching the floor, and opening up the paint for his big men. Off the bench, Jackson is capable of being the guy as he faces less talented players, who cannot control him as much. On defense, Jackson will be a good defender at the next level. He might struggle with opposing bigger guards, but for the most part should be the defender most fans expect from their players. Jackson’s draft range is all over the place, but I think the safe bet for him to fall would be 17-25. With Mike Conley likely leaving Memphis, they will need to add another point guard to run the offense, and Jackson is very similar to Conley coming out of college. Another prime location for Jackson would be Philadelphia who are in the market to add a few guards after they likely select Ben Simmons.
Pro Comparison: Mike Conley
As I mentioned above, Mike Conley and Jackson share many similar attributes coming out of college. Conley has developed into an above average starter, knowing his role within the offense, and being a pesky defender. If Jackson can learn to utilize his skill set to maximize potential, he could have a good career like Conley is having so far.
On offense, neither player is a go-to option, both are more effective when defenses forget about them. Both players have decent form on their jumpers, but neither hits them at a great rate. From the three point line, you cannot slouch on either of them, as they are both capable of knocking down threes very consistently. Conley and Jackson are both excellent when it comes to attacking the rim. They use their explosiveness to torch opposing defenses, and get easy baskets, or to get to the line. When it comes to passing, Conley has the advantage. He has superior court vision, but Jackson has the vision to be just as effective, he just needs to find consistency on his passes.
Defensively, both players are good all-around defenders. They are effective on-ball defenders, who do not get pushed around by their opponents. On the perimeter, both players contain their man, and do not allow them to drive for easy points. Conley is expect at pickpocketing his opponents, leading to him getting easy baskets, something Jackson loves to do as well. On the boards, neither player is impressive. Their shorter height and wingspans cause for them to become shadows to the big men, and neither players likes to bang for boards.
Mike Conley is a good point guard in the league, capable of leading a team to the playoffs as a second or third option. He has made the biggest name for himself by his ability to be a pesky defender, while being a consistent threat from three. If Jackson continues to work on his game, a similar career could be in store for him, but even if he does not reach this level of potential, he should still have a good career as a backup in the league.
By: Mac Crowe, @Mac_Truck17
NBA Source Today 