Frank Jackson surprised many fans when he decided to leave Duke for the NBA. Check out where the former Blue Devil is projected to be drafted next week.
Frank Jackson averaged 10.9 points , 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game as a freshman with the Blue Devils. NBA scouts are varied on Jackson’s outlook for the NBA Draft, and we compiled what experts are projecting for the former Blue Devil.
As an incoming freshman, Frank Jackson was expected to provide scoring and key minutes off the bench for the Blue Devils. However, due to injuries and improvements throughout the season, he greatly exceeded those expectations and ended the regular season as the starting point guard. He quickly became one of the top guards in the country towards the end of the season and played a key role in leading Duke to the ACC title earning All-Tournament Team honors.
Air Alamo
Nobody was shocked when Jackson took advantage of an NCAA rule change that allows student-athletes to try the NBA without hiring an agent and then return to school. However, many fans were surprised when the Duke guard hired an agent to remain in the draft.
As a sophomore, Jackson and senior Grayson Allen were poised to be one of the top starting guard combos in college basketball next season. Frank Jackson’s skills set is suited for a combo guard, however teams may require him to play strictly point guard in the NBA due to his size. Despite doubts about Jackson’s decision, it appears he potentially made the right one based on several mock drafts. These projections are sure to change as draft day approaches, but as of now Jackson is widely predicted to be a late-first to early-second round pick:
24th: Utah Jazz (Sporting News)
26th: Portland Trailblazers (Chris Johnson- SI)
27th: Brooklyn Nets (USA Today)
29th: San Antonio (NBADraft.net)
30th: Utah Jazz (Reid Forgrave- CBS)
32nd: Phoenix Suns (Sports Illustrated Big Board)
33rd: Orlando Magic (Gary Parrish- CBS)
35th: Orlando Magic (Bleacher Report)
37th: Boston Celtics (DraftExpress)
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Of course Jackson would prefer to be selected in the first round, but as long as he competes in the summer league and training camp then he should make a roster. Another thing to watch out for is how team’s view Jackson’s foot surgery, which may prevent teams from drafting the talented guard.