South Carolina, GG Jackson announce freshman will declare for NBA Draft
South Carolina freshman GG Jackson’s college basketball career is over.
The Gamecocks and Jackson announced the 18-year-old will forgo his remaining college eligibility and turn pro.
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“I want to thank God and my family for always being there for me,” Jackson said in a statement. “I also want to thank coach Paris and the rest of the staff at South Carolina for giving me the opportunity to live my dream playing in my home city and state. To Gamecock Nation, the best fans in the country, thank you for your unwavering support. I am a Gamecock for life. The next step in my journey is here, and I will be declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft.”
Jackson announced his decision via Instagram live Friday morning with the school confirming it soon after.
In his lone season with the Gamecocks Jackson averaged 15.4 points and 5.9 boards per game, one of the better scoring seasons by a freshman this season.
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“This is a very exciting day for GG and his family as they begin preparing for the next chapter in his career,” said head coach Lamont Paris. “I, too, am incredibly excited for GG and all that lies ahead for him. GG is and will always be a Gamecock, and I could not be more supportive of his decision to declare for the NBA Draft.”
Jackson reclassified to the 2022 class over the summer, coming up from the 2023 class where he was the top-ranked player.
He grew up in South Carolina and played locally at Ridge View (S.C.) High School before initially committing to North Carolina.
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Jackson de-committed from the Tar Heels over the summer and enrolled at South Carolina soon after his grassroots season ended.
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He finished as a five-star prospect and the No. 7 player in the On3 rankings for his class. He was the highest-rated signee in the Gamecocks’ program history.
South Carolina guard Meechie Johnson is also testing the NBA waters while maintaining his college eligibility as well.
The Gamecocks are coming off an 11-20 regular season in year one under Paris where the Gamecocks finished playing better than they did to start SEC play.
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They’ll now go headfirst into the transfer portal trying to bring in talent for the 2023-24 season.
