Why GG Jackson has unanimously held onto the No. 1 spot in 2023

On3 has released its updated 2023 basketball rankings and expanded the list to 150 players. However, with all the changes, a familiar face remains at the top, GG Jackson.

On3’s national basketball team unanimously voted Jackson to remain the No. 1 player in the 2023 class. This discussion did not take long. We were the first to talk about him in that light, and the North Carolina commitment has done nothing but take over the No. 1 spot in the industry-generated On3 Consensus.

The 6-foot-9 forward, who played at Columbia (SC) Ridge View High last year, is one of 12 On3 five-star players in the update.

Let’s dive into what makes Jackson so special in this class.

GG Jackson plays efficiently, and he wins

Jackson is asked to do different things depending on the setting to help his team win. During Ridge View’s class 5A state championship run in high school, Jackson carried the load offensively. He had the ball in his hands, created offensive opportunities, and had to score twenty points or more every night for his team to have a chance to win.

Jackson went on to win South Carolina’s state Gatorade Player of the Year award after averaging 22.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. Jackson shot over 55-percent from the field and 39-percent from three this season. He acted as his team’s primary ball-handler and wing creator.

In travel ball, Jackson plays with multiple other high major talents. Jackson plays mostly ten feet and in with Team CP3. He is averaging 12.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while shooting over 65-percent from the field.

Jackson maintained his efficiency while taking on a much more significant role en route to a high school state championship, even while seeing every junk defense a high school team can create to isolate a single player. However, even with Team CP3, on the EYBL, the team carried an 8-1, first-place record while Jackson was there (Jackson missed five games while trying out for the Team USA u18 team, and Team CP3 was 1-4 in these games).

Jackson was part of the USA u18 team that won the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship yesterday. He missed a lot of action with a sinus infection.

A prototypical frame

The average height of an NBA power forward is 6-foot-9 and about 230 pounds. Due to the defensive switching and offensive spacing the position now requires, players are not as big and muscular as in the past. The position requires skill, versatility, lateral movement, and vertical pop.

Jackson stands 6-foot-9 with a plus wing span. While he is still a slight 200-pounds and needs to put on weight, he does have a projectable frame. Once Jackson gets into a college weight and nutrition program, he should start to gain reasonably quickly.

We discussed his offensive versatility above; Jackson has plus vertical pop and plus agility. Jackson comes from an athletic background as his dad was a scholarship defensive end.

Jackson’s competitive nature

Off the court, Jackson flashes that million-dollar smile, and you see the fun-loving personality. On the court, you get a fierce competitor who wants to win.

There is a switch that turns on. That switch brings out the utmost self-confidence, but it also brings out the will to win, no matter the setting.

We aren’t saying others in this class are not competitive or less competitive – DJ Wagner only knows one speed. However, you can rest assured that Jackson will be giving it his all each time Jackson steps on the floor, whether it’s an 8:00 AM Sunday morning game in July or the South Carolina 5A state championship.

Looking ahead

Jackson has now been able to sustain the No. 1 spot in the 2023 class for a second update. Continued production and progression always play a significant role in our ranking system. Each update is a real-time snapshot, and each player’s evolution curve is different.

With that said, Jackson’s continued development, winning pedigree, projection at the highest level and consistent and efficient project have been enough to keep GG Jackson at the No. 1 spot.