Gamecocks Need Bounce Back Game From GG Jackson

Although it is not all the time publicized as such, rain all the time balances sunshine, even when the sunshine is likely one of the greatest freshmen in school basketball. GG Jackson’s tenure with South Carolina so far has been phenomenal. 

By the season’s first two months, Jackson bombarded the SEC and the remainder of school basketball with double-doubles and 20-point performances. Nevertheless, it appears Jackson hit a snag final week.

Within the time beyond regulation loss to Vanderbilt, Jackson had solely 13 factors and shot 0/7 from the three-point line. Although that recreation was very disappointing by Jackson’s requirements, it solely received worse from there.

Jackson adopted the Vanderbilt recreation together with his aforementioned efficiency in opposition to Tennessee, which was far and away the worst recreation of his younger collegiate profession. In simply 22 minutes, Jackson shot 0/8 and recorded a singular rebound, together with 4 turnovers.

Whereas that recreation was a dramatic flip from what we’ve come to count on from the proficient freshman, a recreation like this is not unusual. There may be all the time an adjustment interval when ascending to a brand new stage of competitors, even for the nation’s most succesful and well-equipped gamers. This adjustment interval means unhealthy video games and poor capturing performances, which we’ve seen from Jackson over the previous two video games.

Regardless of the underwhelming play over the previous week, a great participant can bounce again and discover methods to assist their staff win. Jackson has the instruments to make this occur, and he receives loads of assist from head coach Lamont Paris, which ought to assist push Jackson alongside even additional.

With the Kentucky recreation looming only a day away, it’s pivotal that Jackson finds his rhythm as soon as once more if the Gamecocks wish to discover a solution to win. Kentucky is likely one of the greatest rebounding groups within the nation, significantly offensive rebounding, the place they rank fifth within the nation in offensive rebounds per recreation. 

It’s important Jackson is within the trenches preventing for rebounds. In any other case, the second probability factors the Wildcats will get will likely be insurmountable.

The Wildcats’ protection permits opposing offenses to shoot 34.1 p.c from the three-point line, a below-average mark for the Kentucky protection. This provides Jackson a great alternative to seek out his jumpsuit as soon as once more. Regardless, Jackson bouncing again is pivotal to the Gamecocks’ success transferring ahead.

You Would possibly Additionally Like:

Be a part of the neighborhood:

Comply with Evan Crowell on Twitter: @EvanVCrowell

Comply with Andrew Lyon on Twitter: @ALyon_SC

You can observe us for future protection by clicking “Comply with” on the highest right-hand nook of the web page. Additionally, make sure to like us on Fb @GamecocksDigest & observe us on Twitter at @GamecocksDigest.