Skill Assessment

Dribbling

7️⃣ out of 🔟

Extremely strong ball handler for his level. My mark on Jackson is that he doesn’t always dribble with a purpose. There are reads he misses that can get him out of trouble—but it’s trouble that he created. Jackson’s ability to create as a passer will hinge upon his confidence and comfort with his handle. As this improves, he’ll be able to carry out his duties more consistently on offense—as Jackson is a more experienced dribbler for the Gladiators.

6️⃣ out of 🔟

Strong form to take mid range shots. Will become a proficient outside shooter with reps and upper body strength. Layups have to become more consistent, particularly through contact.

7️⃣ out of 🔟

Will take a huge step as a passer when he pairs it with his handle. I would say Jackson’s facilitator comparison would be Steve Nash—crafty, aware, but sound. Surveying the entire floor will be one simple adjustment that Jackson can and will make, and his playmaking ability will flourish as a result.

6️⃣ out of 🔟

Good on ball defender, but often not understanding cutoff angles for him to be as smart as a player that he is. Needs to be a thinker on the defensive side of the ball also. Can cause havoc in the passing lanes if he’s engaged. Needs to be a more vocal leader as a defender.

3️⃣ out of 🔟

Jackson would do well to attack the boards due to his dribbling, passing and shooting ability. This gives him two options: Do I take advantage of the numbers in transition? Or do I slow it down and set up the offense? Jackson can truly be the heartbeat of this team with the ball in his hands—no matter how he gets it. Being as scrappy as he is, he needs to pair it with tracking and attacking rebounds and initiating offense.

8️⃣ out of 🔟

Amazing leadership. Jackson has to prioritize making his team better through his play and understand the flow of the game, such as foul count, free throws, possession, etc. Jackson also has to lean into his experience by communicating clearly and effectively with his peers the WWWWW&H. On-court coaching will reinforce the core concepts to him—as teaching is the best form of retention, and hands-on is the best form of learning.