NBA Prospects

Andre Jackson Jr. – NBA Prospects

by
Harry Johns White
October 16, 2023

Born in Amsterdam, New York, Andre Jackson Jr. has rapidly ascended the ranks of basketball prospects, showcasing his prowess on the court from his high school days to his time with the UConn Huskies. Standing at 6 ft 6 in and weighing 209 lb, Jackson’s athletic build, combined with his innate basketball IQ, has made him a formidable presence on the court.

His journey from The Albany Academy to the University of Connecticut has been marked by significant achievements and growth. After a notable stint with UConn, where he played a pivotal role in their NCAA championship win in 2023, Jackson’s talent was recognized on a larger stage when he was drafted 36th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2023 NBA Draft.

However, his path took a twist as he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he is now set to embark on his professional NBA journey. As he steps onto the NBA hardwood, the basketball community keenly anticipated the impact Jackson Jr. will make in the league.

Andre Jackson Jr. – Early Life

Andre Terrell Jackson Jr. was born on November 13, 2001, in Amsterdam, New York. From a young age, basketball seemed to be in his blood, with both of his parents, Tricia Altieri and Andre Jackson Sr., having played college basketball at Fulton–Montgomery Community College. Growing up in a household where basketball was a shared passion, Jackson Jr. was naturally drawn to the sport, honing his skills and developing a deep love for the game.

Andre Jackson Jr. – High School Career

Jackson’s high school basketball journey began at The Albany Academy in Albany, New York. His talent was evident early on, as he consistently delivered standout performances, earning recognition and accolades. One of the highlights of his high school career was representing the United States select team in the 2018 Albert Schweitzer Tournament.

It’s plays like this that get me excited about Andre Jackson Jr. Beats the defense down and makes a good pass for an easy bucket. Going to be a great fit in Milwaukee as a high IQ player, good cutter, passer, and defender. Kenrich Williams, Bruce Brown mold. Modern NBA fit. pic.twitter.com/kawqUnZCfa
— Draft Diamonds (@NBADRAFT_7) September 22, 2023

In his senior season, Jackson showcased his all-around skills, averaging an impressive 18.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and three steals per game. These outstanding stats led him to be named the New York Sports Writers Association Class A Player of the Year. As his reputation grew, college offers started pouring in, with Jackson ultimately committing to play for the UConn Huskies, choosing them over other prestigious programs like Iowa, Maryland, UCLA, and Syracuse.

Andre Jackson Jr. – College Commitment

Andre Jackson Jr.’s commitment to the University of Connecticut (UConn) marked a significant chapter in his basketball journey. The UConn Huskies, known for their storied basketball legacy, offered Andre an environment conducive to honing his skills and showcasing his talent on the national stage.

In his freshman year (2020-21), Andre faced challenges but showed promise. He appeared in 16 games, starting two, and missed six weeks due to a left wrist injury. Despite this, he averaged 2.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 16.0 minutes per game, with a standout free-throw shooting accuracy of 90.0%.

Here are some of his college achievements:

Played nearly 20 minutes in the season opener during his freshman year.
Made his first career start at Xavier.
Season-highs of 8 points and 8 rebounds against Marquette.
Led the team in defensive rebounds with an average of 5.5 per game in his sophomore year.
Achieved a career-high 16 rebounds at St. John’s.
Secured his first career double-double against Butler.

His sophomore year (2021-22) witnessed significant growth. Andre started every game except on Senior Day, averaging 6.8 points and 6.8 rebounds. His shooting improved to .426, and he showcased a three-point shooting percentage of .361. Leading the team in steals with 1.2 per game and ranking second in assists with 3.1 per game, Andre’s contributions were pivotal.

As the 2022-23 season approached, Andre was named a team co-captain alongside Adama Sanogo, and with an active streak of 45 consecutive games played, he’s anticipated to play a central role for the Huskies.

Andre Jackson Jr. – NBA Draft

In the bustling atmosphere of the Barclays Center in New York, Andre Jackson’s name echoed as the No. 36 overall selection by the Orlando Magic during the NBA Draft. Despite not being an All-American, an all-Big East selection, or even among the top five scorers on UConn’s team, Jackson’s distinctive all-around game caught the attention of NBA scouts. Shortly after his selection, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.

UCONN star Andre Jackson Jr. signing autographs for fans this evening in Manchester!@andrejackson111 pic.twitter.com/ATXMN9y7co
— Bryant Reed (@Reed_Reports) April 7, 2023

Jackson’s journey to this pivotal moment is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. While injuries restricted him to only 16 games during his freshman year at UConn, he made a significant impact in his sophomore year, averaging 6.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. His athleticism, defensive skills, and playmaking ability placed him firmly on the NBA Draft radar.

Jackson’s value as an overall player was further solidified by his commendable performance at the NBA Draft combine. As he joins the Milwaukee Bucks, led by their new head coach and former NBA player Adrian Griffin, Jackson is poised for a promising NBA journey, potentially with a guaranteed contract in tow. This selection also marks a significant milestone for UConn, as it’s the first time since 2014 that two of their players have been drafted in the same year.

Andre Jackson Jr. – NBA Journey and Future

As Andre Jackson embarks on his NBA journey with the Milwaukee Bucks, the basketball world watches with keen anticipation. His unique skill set, which combines athleticism, defensive prowess, and playmaking ability, is expected to be a valuable asset to the Bucks’ roster. The transition from college to the NBA is a significant leap, but Jackson’s resilience and adaptability, demonstrated throughout his college career, suggest he’s well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

“bUcKs bAcKcOuRt hAs nO dEfEnSe nOw”

Andre Jackson Jr: pic.twitter.com/iGmzF2XGmp
— Giannis Lamar (@GiannisLamar_) September 27, 2023

The Bucks, having recently appointed former NBA player Adrian Griffin as their head coach, are in a phase of transition and growth. Griffin’s connection to UConn, being the father of UConn women’s basketball player Aubrey Griffin and a college teammate of UConn’s head coach Dan Hurley, adds an interesting dynamic to Jackson’s integration into the team. This connection may provide Jackson with a familiar touchpoint as he navigates his rookie season.

Looking ahead, Jackson’s future in the NBA appears promising. While he may face initial challenges in adapting to the league’s pace and competition level, his all-around game and leadership qualities position him well to make a significant impact. As he develops and refines his skills under the guidance of the Bucks’ coaching staff and learns from seasoned NBA veterans, Andre Jackson is poised to carve out a successful and influential career in the league.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Andre Jackson Jr going to the NBA?

Yes, Andre Jackson Jr. is indeed making the transition to the NBA. He was chosen as the No. 36 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, which marked a significant step in his basketball career. After being selected by the Orlando Magic and subsequently traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, he is now set to embark on his journey in the premier basketball league in the world.

Does Andre Jackson Jr have a brother?

Yes, Andre Jackson Jr. has a younger brother named Marcus. Their close bond and shared passion for basketball have likely played a role in both of their basketball journeys.

Where did Andre Jackson Jr go to high school?

Andre Jackson Jr. attended The Albany Academy for his high school education. It was during his time at this institution that he began to make a name for himself as a standout basketball player, setting the stage for his future in the sport.