After playing one year with the South Carolina basketball team, star wing GG Jackson was selected later than expected in the 2023 NBA Draft. After all, the talented combo forward was selected 45th overall (second round) by the Memphis Grizzlies last summer.
As a second-round pick, Jackson was signed to a two-way contract, allowing him to play both at the NBA level with the Memphis Grizzlies and at the NBA G League level with the Memphis Hustle. But it didn't take long for the Columbia-area native to establish himself in the association, even if that appointment held him back a bit.
Jackson became a full-time NBA player in January, and despite playing six games for the Grizzlies and not being part of the rotation, the NBA's youngest player averaged nearly 15 points per game during the season. When he was promoted to the starting lineup, those numbers jumped to over 20 points per game. As a starter, he averaged over five rebounds per game. For the season, he shot 36% from the 3-point line.
GG Jackson was honored as an NBA All-Rookie Second Team Player for his outstanding rookie campaign. If he had played all season, he almost certainly would have been selected for the first team. He also signed a long-term contract with the Grizzlies organization.
Considering how successful he was as the NBA's youngest player, the Gamecock graduate could be the next superstar of the South Carolina basketball program at the NBA level.
The entire NBA All-Rookie team is below.
First army
Victor Wembaneyama, San Antonio Spurs
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Jaime Vazquez Jr., Miami Heat
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
Brandin Poziemski, Golden State Warriors
second team
GG Jackson II, Memphis Grizzlies
Derrick Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
Armen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Keyontae George, Utah Jazz
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
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