ACC's Top-25 Players: No. 12 – Reggie Jackson, BC
One thing is certain in the ACC in 2010-2011, that Boston College will be the most experienced team in the conference. Four seniors should start for new coach Steve Donahue. Yet it is sophomore Reggie Jackson (no relation to Mr. October), who should be the Eagles best player next season.
After only two seasons at B.C., Jackson has proven to be a solid player for B.C. and when his career is finally over, don’t be surprised to see his name mentioned with the likes of Jared Dudley and Tyrese Rice.
Last year he was 15th in the ACC in scoring (12.9 points per game), 5th in assists (4.5 per game), 19th in rebounds (5.7 per game) and a solid 8th in assist/turnover ratio (1.74).
When you watch Reggie Jackson play, you can’t help but be in awe of his athletic gifts. Although he may not be the fastest cat on the floor, he moves his feet well and it doesn’t hurt that the 6’3 guard has a seven-foot wingspan.
Even though he entered college with questionable ball-handling skills, Jackson has shown a knack for getting the ball inside with the dribble penetration. He can dunk with the best of them, displaying a floater that is second only to Duke’s Nolan Smith. He’s also become known for being one of the league’s better defender, again thanks to his length.
Heading into 2010-2011, Reggie Jackson should have a big smile on his face. The fact is, despite producing solid numbers so far in his career, Al Skinner’s conservative flex-offense wasn’t doing Jackson any favors.
With Steve Donahue taking over, no player should benefit more than Reggie. Boston College’s offense should mirror Cornell’s O from last year. This is the same offense that averaged 83 ppg against defensive teams like Temple and Wisconsin in last year’s NCAA Tournament. Just look at the numbers.
According to Rivals, Cornell made 4.5 more threes a game than BC last year, taking nearly seven more threes per game.
Of course there could be one small problem for Jackson. His jumper isn’t the prettiest. In fact, he only shot 29% from three last year, which was actually an improvement from his freshman year.
For Coach Donahue’s system to work, his guards need to be able to hit the long ball. Of course I wouldn’t have Reggie Jackson No. 12 on this list if I didn’t believe his stroke wouldn’t improve.
While I don’t expect Jackson to start nailing 40% of his threes, don’t be shocked to see if he bumps up his average about 5% points. In fact, look for all his numbers to improve and he could end up top-15 in points, rebounds and assists in 2010-2011.
If I thought Boston College would be a better team, I’d say that Jackson would get some First-Team All ACC consideration, but for now, I’d pencil him in as a third-team player, with second-team potential.
#13 – JEFF ALLEN, FORWARD – VIRGINIA TECH
#14 – JOHN HENSON, FORWARD – NORTH CAROLINA
#15 – XAVIER GIBSON, CENTER – FLORIDA STATE
#16 – C.J. LESLIE, FORWARD – NORTH CAROLINA STATE
#17 – GLEN RICE JR., GUARD – GEORGIA TECH
#18 – REGGIE BULLOCK, GUARD – NORTH CAROLINA
#19 – MASON PLUMLEE, FORWARD – DUKE
#20 – C.J. HARRIS, GUARD – WAKE FOREST
#21 – SETH CURRY, GUARD – DUKE
#22 – SEAN MOSLEY, GUARD – MARYLAND
#23 – JOE TRAPANI, FORWARD – BOSTON COLLEGE
#24 – MIKE SCOTT, FORWARD – VIRGINIA
#25 – IMAN SHUMPERT, GUARD – GEORGIA TECH