GG Jackson reflects on being drafted, looks ahead to the NBA

GG Jackson saw his name pop up on the screen Thursday night and took a deep breath of relief before the South Carolina forward turned to his high school teammates and let out a yell.

That moment–Jackson was taken with the No. 45 pick in the NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies–was a long time coming for him. And, while he wishes it came earlier, Jackson becomes the first Gamecocks draftee since 2017 and the hihgest pick since 2006.

After being plucked, he met with the media to talk about this moment.

On being drafted

Jackson: “It was a long night sitting here and you expect for better, but at the end of the day your dream is to land somewhere in the NBA. I think God has put me in the right situation, and now it’s up to me to stop the off-court antics and go to business…But also I got to work my ass off. There’s a lot of guys I have in front of me.” 

On celebrating with his high school teammates

Jackson: “To be honest, it was a makeup for me. When we won the state championship I didn’t celebrate too much. I feel like I got the opportunity to share it with them.” 

On what Memphis told him on the phone

Jackson: “It was the head coach and the GM and they were saying welcome to the Memphis Grizzlies and we’re very, very excited to have you. I told them they made the right choice, I promise you.”

On how excited he is to go to Memphis

Jackson: “I’m excited to get to work as soon as possible because I have a lot to prove.”

On being motivated after falling to No. 45

Jackson: “I’m boiling inside, definitely. At the end of the day, it’s a huge blessing. I started from the bottom and became the number one recruit in high school. It followed to college. I feel like now I’m starting from the bottom again and have to work my way back to the top.”

On what Memphis is getting in him

Jackson: “They’re getting a hell of a player. They’re getting a very, very versatile player who can play most positions and score from anywhere on the floor, defend most positions and someone who hates to lose.”

On conversations with Memphis in the process

Jackson: “To be honest, I really didn’t have a feeling it was going to be them. I had a workout with them but it was an individual by myself. It was extremely fun. I got to shake hands with Desmond Bayne. That was pretty cool.”

On feedback through the draft process

Jackson: “They were telling me talent-wise I’m a top five talent and I thought that would carry more weight, but nonetheless I’m happy with where I’m at. Definitely young, I’m raw but if I get in the right place with development I can be a problem.”

On being able to play at South Carolina

Jackson: “I feel like I shouldn’t have had it any other way…My grandparents were here, all of my family was here. There’s no better feeling. I got to turn around and let off a yell. It just felt good.” 

On being able to have all of his family at his South Carolina draft party

Jackson: “It’s a great feeling and a blessing. I still remember the days when I was in the backyard just thinking about basketball. I just always wanted to play basketball. At this moment, to have the support I have, I feel like I definitely made the right choice to stay home at South Carolina. Hopefully, they can cherish me forever.”

On being able to play with South Carolina native Ja Morant

Jackson: “I never had a thought about playing with Ja Morant before but it’s going to get crazy. There are definitely going to be a lot of highlight-reel plays. I’m ready to lock in like I’ve never locked in before for basketball. I’m a kid at heart and smiling, but it’s time to get down to business. Tonight definitely motivated me.”