GG Jackson takes over No. 1 spot in 2023 On3 basketball rankings

There is a new player at the top of the Class of 2023 basketball rankings, as GG Jackson of Columbia (S.C.) Ridge View has earned the distinction as On3’s new No. 1 player.

The class as a whole had a lot of conversation and tweaking over the last three or so weeks. However, the top spot was a quick discussion and never wavered upon. Jackson’s blend of size, skill and athleticism put him in the conversation. However, it was Jackson’s consistent production and continued development throughout this season that made him the obvious choice.

GG Jackson’s resume

Playing with Team CP3 on Nike’s 16U EYBL circuit this summer, you could see GG Jackson’s internal switch turn on. Jackson averaged 12 points, nine rebounds and 1.5 blocks on 53% shooting from the field, as they made a run to the final four of Peach Jam.

GG Jackson was terrific the entire high school season. He started the season with a 27-point and seven-rebound performance against Montverde (Fla.) Academy and consistently carried that production through his 14-point, 11-rebound and four-block performance in the South Carolina 5A state championship game.

The 6-foot-9 forward finished the high school season averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. Jackson ended the year winning his second state championship in three seasons. He was also named state player of the year award.

Jackson in the NBA

Ranking the top of any class, you look toward the player’s NBA prospects. GG Jackson has the positional size you want from a forward. His ball skills have developed into him being a one-on-one threat from the wing. The three-point range is developing into a respectable weapon, and he has excellent timing as a weak-side shot-blocker. The confidence is expanding, and there is a sense he knows he is the best player on each floor he walks on.

There is a competitive fire in Jackson. He is a good, fun-loving kid off the floor, but he has a switch he turns on when he steps to the court. At the current stage, Jackson is at a crossroads where high-level production is met with a lot of ceiling still left to meet. The top-end outlook is too much to ignore.

GG Jackson has earned the No. 1 ranking in the 2023 class.