Jackson McAndrew: Three thoughts on Creighton's latest commitment

Greg McDermott struck again as Creighton has landed its second commitment in the 2024 class. This time it was Jackson McAndrew, On3’s No. 48 player in the 2024 class. McAndrew joins three-star guard Ty Davis, who committed earlier this summer.

Creighton is coming off a season that saw them finish third in the Big East and make a run to the Elite Eight. Center Ryan Kalkbrenner earned first-team All-Big East and Big East Defensive Player of the Year. 

Let’s go through what Creighton is getting in their latest commitment.

Who is Jackson McAndrew

Jackson McAndrew is a 6-foot-9, 190-pound forward and On3’s No. 7 ranked power forward in the 2024 On3 150. McAndrew chose Creighton over a final group that also included Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Xavier. 

The On3 four-star plays his high school ball at Plymouth (MN) Wayzata High, where averaged nearly 17 points in helping his high school win a Minnesota 4A state championship this season. 

“The best thing I do is shoot the ball,” McAndrew told On3. “I have a high basketball IQ, and I’m a good positional rebounder as well. I see the court well and handle the ball for my size. I’ll watch a lot of Lauri Markkanen and Jayson Tatum, just pieces here and there about their games, and try to put it into mine.”

In 23 games with his Howard Pulley program on Nike’s EYCL Circuit, McAndrew averaged 17.0 points. He shot 41.3 percent from three on 8.7 attempts per game. 

What does he bring to Creighton?

At the very core of what Jackson McAndrew is, is a shooter. He is a floor spacer with 6-foot-9 size. But his game is more than that. It is the way he shoots, at that size, that makes him somewhat of a unique high school prospect. McAndrew has excellent footwork and balance on his shot. He is able to come off screens and shoot off movement, as well as anyone in this class. This provides spacing, not only because you have to close out but because you have to stay attached to him through an offensive possession. 

McAndrew has excellent length with a projectable frame. He is still skinny, and that will be where he needs to improve the most, moving forward, adding weight and strength. He has some toughness and willingness to rebound his area, and he can straight-line drive a sloppy or late close-out. McAndrew sees the floor well, and he moves fluidly. 

While there is still some development needed, specifically with the physical development, McAndrew has a unique skill with his shooting, and he does so in a way that translates as he continues to climb levels.

How does McAndrew fit into the lineup?

The pace and space style of play that Greg McDermott has mastered at Creighton fits Jackson McAndrew very well. His playing time, early in his career, will come down to how quickly he can adapt to the physicality of the game. 

You look through the roster that Creighton will project, and you see a lot of fluidity, skill, and positionless (offensive) basketball. In the frontcourt, players like Mason Miller, Jonathan Lawson, Jasen Green, and Isaac Traudt all have size and can all process, shoot, and handle. McAndrew has clear shooting ability, and at a lengthy 6-foot-9, as soon as he gets up to speed, there is a clear path for minutes. While there are other good shooters on the roster, no one is to the level McAndrew could bring. 

Looking at how the roster is constructed, Creighton will be older. That has been a staple of what McDermott likes with his teams, get old and stay old. However, he has also shown that he is not afraid to play a young guy if he will help the team win. It looks like, with McAndrew, it will be up to him to how quickly he gets on the floor. How quickly can he adapt to the speed and physicality of the game?

McAndrew on Creighton

“They’ve been more consistent reaching out than a lot of the other staffs. My relationship with the entire staff has grown a lot since my visit. I went back for an unofficial not too long ago. We were able to go more in-depth with everything, watch more film and get an understanding of what their plan is for me and how they will use me. I like their play style, and I see how I fit with what their vision is.

“On my official visit, it was good to watch the game against UConn. I really like their play style and think it would be a good fit for me as they play up-tempo, and everyone can dribble, pass, and shoot and are very versatile.

“A coaching staff that I’m comfortable with and that I trust in. I’m going to a place where I will be utilized, and I know I will be getting better. They will help me play basketball for as long as I can play. I feel like I can best utilize my unique talents and show every part of my game.”