NBA Comparison:

Strengths: Rick Jackson began his senior year close to 30 pounds lighter, which has paid off so far over two months into the season … Jackson rarely operates outside of the paint, scoring most of his points when he’s established deep position under the hoop or on second chance opportunities … He has a good feel for the basket up to ten feet or so, using his length and new found mobility to grab rebounds and finish in traffic … In the post, he uses his strength to back down his defender and finish over him … Shows high awareness as to what’s around him in the post, knowing when to head fake, use a power dribble or go straight up … Shows above average passing skills out of the post, averaging almost 3 assists per game… Defensively he blocks shots at a high rate, using his surprisingly quick feet and long arms … Has become a dominant rebounder (11.7 rpg, good for first in the Big East and fourth in the nation) at the college level and it’s his best attribute for the NBA game …

Weaknesses: Jackson lacks advanced post moves, and isn’t necessarily a threat one on one … He hasn’t shown he’s capable of knocking down shots from the outside, and possesses little to no face-up game or any real ability to beat his defender off the dribble … Post skills are unrefined … Very poor free throw shooter … Defensively, he rarely defends the post in man to man situations, which he’ll need to be able to do at the next level … Has a lot to prove in the post season as he really struggled during last year’s NCAA tournament …

Overall: Jackson averages a double double and leads the Big East in rebounding … In terms of being an NBA prospect, he’s really going to need to expand his overall offensive repertoire, whether it’s developing a midrange game or creating opportunities to score in the post …

Jonathan Wasserman 1/20/11