GG Jackson decision timeline comes into focus
GG Jackson is turning heads with his play at this year’s Peach Jam tournament. Off the court, interested observers are still waiting for news on what’s next for his basketball future.
Jackson, the five-star prospect from Ridge View High, is expected to make a public decision about his future shortly after the annual Peach Jam AAU basketball showcase ends. That tournament runs through this weekend.
There was some buzz an announcement could come this week during Peach Jam, but a source close to Jackson’s recruitment told The State to expect a decision to be made public in the week or two after the event.
To recap:
▪ Jackson, technically a rising high school senior, is considered the top ranked player for the Class of 2023.
▪ Before Peach Jam began, he broke off his commitment to North Carolina to “explore other options.” He originally committed to the Tar Heels on April 27.
▪ On3’s Jamie Shaw and 247Sports predictions suggest Jackson will reclassify to the 2022 class, commit to the University of South Carolina and enroll at USC this summer to be part of Gamecocks’ roster in the fall. A source close to the Gamecocks’ side of things confirmed to The State that there’s legitimacy to the reports Jackson could end up at South Carolina.
USC coach Lamont Paris, assistants Tim Buckley and Tanner Bronson were on-hand Wednesday night in a jammed-pack crowd to watch Jackson and CP3 play LivOn/Fleur De Lis. The crowd also included LeBron James and 2021 No. 1 overall selection Cade Cunningham. Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul who sponsors CP3 was on the bench for the game and acted as assistant coach.
Jackson hasn’t publicly commented on the South Carolina speculation beyond vague remarks made during an Instagram live video and some playful back-and-forth on social media with UNC player Armando Bacot. Still, social media has been buzzing with the possibility of the Gamecocks landing the hometown star. If it happens, he would be the highest ranked commitment in the history of the South Carolina program during the era of star ratings and player rankings.
South Carolina begins classes on Aug. 18, so a decision would have to be made soon if the Gamecocks are the final choice. Other schools such as Auburn, Kentucky and UMass are still reaching out to gauge Jackson’s interest. Auburn was one of his final schools, and UMass is coached by former Gamecock coach Frank Martin, who has a great relationship with the Jackson family.
GG Jackson at Peach Jam
GG Jackson entered Peach Jam with a lot of fanfare around him. He hasn’t disappointed through four days.
Jackson has had a double-double in each of the games. On Wednesday, he had 14 points, 16 rebounds in the 78-67 win.
The event ends Sunday and Jackson’s CP3 team is 2-2 so far with one game remaining in pool play. The top two teams in each division make Friday’s quarterfinals but all 17U teams will at least play through Friday even if they don’t make it to the quarterfinals.
Jackson has been one of the top attractions, along with LeBron James’ son Bronny, at the annual Nike EYBL event in North Augusta. LeBron was there Monday and Tuesday to see his son’s Strive for Greatness team play, creating quite a buzz in the Riverview Athletics Center.
Large crowds have attended each of Jackson’s three games, with S.C. native and Memphis Grizzlies all-star guard Ja Morant there for his matchup on Sunday night. On Tuesday, NBA great Carmelo Anthony was courtside watching Jackson’s performance.
There have been Gamecock fans in attendance at Jackson’s games all week.
Tuesday was the first day NBA personnel were allowed to be there. Representatives from the Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets were there to see Jackson and other top players such as his CP3 teammates Robert Dillingham and Aidan Holloway, and Oakland Soldiers Marquis Cook, a top-five prospect in the Class of 2023 who just decommitted from Oregon.
Los Angeles Clippers personnel were there on Wednesday.
Jackson’s performances cap off a big summer for him that saw him win a gold medal with Team USA last month and earn MVP honors at the NBA Top 100 camp. After the camp, NBA executives started reaching out to Jackson’s family, telling him that Jackson might want to pursue a path that gets him to the pros sooner than later. That’s where reclassifying and starting college now come into play.
On3 interviewed three NBA Draft analysts who project Jackson would be a top 15 pick in the 2023 draft. None of the early mock drafts have Jackson listed because he hasn’t officially announced a decision yet.
The 2023 draft class is expected to be a deep one, led by France’s Victor Wembanyama, the early favorite to go No. 1.
Jackson, the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year, averaged 22.9 points, 10.9 rebounds this past season in helping the Blazers to the Class 5A championship. It was Ridge View’s fourth championship in five years.
This story was originally published July 20, 2022 at 10:47 AM with the headline "GG Jackson decision timeline comes into focus."
