By Thomas Grant, Jr.
The last time GG Jackson II played on Martin Luther King day, he had a memorable performance before a national cable television audience.
The NBA on TNT once again served as the setting this year to watch the former Ridge View and University of South Carolina forward in action. This time, his appearance marked his regular season debut for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jackson scored four points and grabbed one rebound in 11 minutes of the 108-106 comeback victory over Minnesota. It was Jackson’s first NBA game since undergoing surgery this past summer for a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot suffered during the off-season.
While rehabilitating in the G League, Jackson averaged 20.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals/blocks in 27 minutes a game. He also shot 36.8 percent from 3-point range.
The Grizzlies hope Jackson can continue to build upon his rookie success. In 48 games, he averaged 14.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and .06 blocks per game.
At 19 years of age, he became the youngest player to score 25-plus points off the bench and second youngest to score 40 points in a game. He also joined Lebron James and Kevin Durant in posting back-to-back 20-plus point games at that age.
If Jackson remains healthy, he’s scheduled to return to the Carolinas April 8 against the Charlotte Hornets.
“It seems like every new year I’m starting at the bottom somewhere, so I’ve kind of got used to that,” Jackson told the Commercial Appeal. “But it always feels good to shock people again so I’m waiting on that shocker.”
Photo from University of South Carolina athletics – Former Ridge View & University of South Carolina forward FG Jackson II with special Gamecock Director of Operations Carey Rich & head coach Lamont Paris.
