Really better at what? Getting more minutes? His shot is still like he is doing a shotput event. Not very pretty or effective. He gets beat constantly on defense and is sloppy with the ball and a bad handle. He does rebound but he needs to do a better job not showboating it and getting it stolen by a guard. For a top 75 recruit his basketball skills has left a lot to be desired. I see his ceiling if he can improve his shot being that of Stanley Robinson. He needs to work hard on his shooting and handling to move up to the next level. I hope he does but I just don't see it now. Now Hawkins I see the talent oozing if he can tighten up his handle.Hilton, Boone and many others had 'slow' developments, but with determination, coaching and inherit skills they proved their worth by their junior/senior years. AJ has the tools and skills to excel, it will take time.
Its a matter of is AJ 'much' better today than a year ago? So far to me its a yes.
Boone started on a national championship team, albeit in a secondary role as a rebounder and defender. He got better over his 3 years but he looked like he belonged freshman year.Hilton, Boone and many others had 'slow' developments, but with determination, coaching and inherit skills they proved their worth by their junior/senior years. AJ has the tools and skills to excel, it will take time.
Its a matter of is AJ 'much' better today than a year ago? So far to me its a yes.
Of all the things someone can criticize AJ on, I don’t think his “inner” toughness (whatever that means) and bball IQ are on that list.
Um, Josh Boone started 37 games including the NCAA final as a freshman. Jackson can only wish he gets to Boone’s level.Hilton, Boone and many others had 'slow' developments, but with determination, coaching and inherit skills they proved their worth by their junior/senior years. AJ has the tools and skills to excel, it will take time.
Its a matter of is AJ 'much' better today than a year ago? So far to me its a yes.
No doubt a spectacularly tremendous athlete. I don't see sufficient inner toughness or bball IQ to project he will consistently excel at this level.
Ok! Cut his minutes and see what happens. Then we will start another thread or post.Really better at what? Getting more minutes? His shot is still like he is doing a shotput event. Not very pretty or effective. He gets beat constantly on defense and is sloppy with the ball and a bad handle. He does rebound but he needs to do a better job not showboating it and getting it stolen by a guard. For a top 75 recruit his basketball skills has left a lot to be desired. I see his ceiling if he can improve his shot being that of Stanley Robinson. He needs to work hard on his shooting and handling to move up to the next level. I hope he does but I just don't see it now. Now Hawkins I see the talent oozing if he can tighten up his handle.
BB IQ should definitely be on the list. He constantly tries to take off before he secures the rebound and gets stripped. He constantly gets beat back door. He constantly throws lazy passes. And he constantly tries to make the spectacular play and ends up turning the ball over. Those things are all the definition of low BB IQ plays. If he just takes his time and plays better fundamentally, he clearly has the athleticism to become special. But he consistently negates his athleticism by trying to BE special. He's got it backwards.Of all the things someone can criticize AJ on, I don’t think his “inner” toughness (whatever that means) and bball IQ are on that list.
Agreed - and with the high level basketball skilled players in his position/similar position (i.e. 2's and 3's) already here/lining up in the program (Hawkins, Floyd), commitments (Karaban and Castle) and potentials (Griffiths, etc.) it is only going to get tougher for him to get more PT/reach his ultimate college goals.Jackson is a superior athlete, that’s all as of now. I expect him to improve, but it’s going to take a while.
and in before "Sanogo is a black hole and Diggins needs minutes".Thank God we didn't go another day without a new thread and cold take on Jackson.
Boone started on a national championship team, albeit in a secondary role as a rebounder and defender. He got better over his 3 years but he looked like he belonged freshman year.
Jackson is a superior athlete, that’s all as of now. I expect him to improve, but it’s going to take a while.