GG Jackson drops 23, has wholesome reaction to talking to Shaq for first time
It’s been a big week for former South Carolina basketball standout and Columbia native GG Jackson.
After scoring 20 points for the first time in his career on Saturday, Jackson followed that up with a career-high 23 points on Monday night in a 116-107 win over Golden State.
But perhaps the coolest moment of a huge couple of days for the Ridge View graduate came after that win when he joined the NBA on TNT cast and had the chance to talk to Shaq for the first time, a reaction that is best suited to just watch below rather than to be described.
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What a cool/special moment for GG! pic.twitter.com/a7LsKiuSiJ
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) January 16, 2024
Shaq, for his part, shared a heartfelt message for the young emerging potential star who is just 19-years-old.
“GG, Shaq here, I don’t have any questions,” he said. “I just want to say congratulations young fella, you played a hell of a game and if people didn’t know who you were, they know who you are now. I’m so proud of you. Congratulations on being ready, brother.”
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The rookie, who graduated high school early to enroll at South Carolina, was drafted No. 45 overall by the Grizzlies, becoming the highest Gamecocks player to be drafted since 2006 when Renaldo Balkman went No. 20 overall to the New York Knicks.
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In one year with South Carolina, Jackson led the Gamecocks in scoring, earning SEC All-Freshman honors.
He averaged 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game as a freshman, shooting 38.4 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from three.
Jackson this week has taken advantage of getting extra minutes with Desmond Bane out.
His full line Monday features 23 points, six rebounds, one assist, two steals, two blocks and five 3-pointers for the youngest player in the NBA.
