SI.com's 2014 All-Glue Team

It was a hard choice between Jackson and his rangy teammate, 6-7 Titus Rubles. But I have a soft spot for players who take a big leap between their junior and senior seasons. Jackson went from averaging 3.8 points on 42 percent shooting last year to 11.0 ppg on 55 percent shooting this season. On a team that relies on its defense to produce much of its offense, Jackson has been an eraser, a thief and a finisher on the break. He led the American Conference (and ranked 18th nationally) in blocks while also ranking sixth in the conference in rebounds (7.0) and seventh in steals (1.7). And when he makes a big play on either end of the floor, Jackson rocks the best "mean face" in all of college hoops. That's got to count for something.


Coming out of Arlington Country Day High in Cocoa Beach, Fla., Jackson was a quintessential diamond in the rough. He was even a Glue Guy on his AAU team, which featured high-scoring guards Austin Rivers and Brandon Knight. Acting on a tip from former recruiting analyst Dave Telep, Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin found Jackson on the summer circuit and watched him play several games. "He was undersized even back then, but he could really run the floor and block shots," Cronin says. "He takes pride in his defense. He knows how important screening is. He understands the importance of everything that goes on in basketball that doesn't involve scoring."

Like many smaller pivot men, Jackson came to college believing that his best shot at a pro career required becoming a face-up small forward. It took three years, but Cronin finally convinced Jackson that his best hope at a future in basketball was to make himself a demon in the paint. Jackson hit the weight room last summer and worked on his post moves, but it wasn't until he accepted his role mentally that he began to take off -- and take the Bearcats with him. After Jackson got 14 deflections in a win over SMU this season, Mustangs coach Larry Brown said Jackson reminds him of Ben Wallace. "Glue Guys can get paid a lot of money," Cronin says. "Look at Tyson Chandler. That's not just a Glue Guy, that's a max-paid Glue Guy. Justin is an energy guy for us, and he has been one of our main leaders. I don't know where we'd be without him."


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college...?eref=sihp

I love to see how much press our guys are getting, they deserve it. I'm so impressed with JJ how he improved his game. Many were ready to write him off (and maybe rightfully so watching his first three years) but then the light went on.

And his "mean face" is also getting to be known nationally.

(03-10-2014 10:17 PM)bcat80 Wrote:  I love to see how much press our guys are getting, they deserve it. I'm so impressed with JJ how he improved his game. Many were ready to write him off (and maybe rightfully so watching his first three years) but then the light went on.

And his "mean face" is also getting to be known nationally.

JJ may be one of the best one year progress stories for players under Mick.
He really is vastly improved from jr to sr year.

Imagine how good he could be, if he had put on weight and oriented toward playing on the low block say sophomore year.
It's fun to watch how he has different ways of finishing. His offense completely caught me off guard this year.

Man I'm going to miss Justin Jackson.

Does he have a shot at the NBA?

Pros: Extremely quick with his first step with an ability to drive to the basket from out past the FT line, able to finish with either hand in the post. Solid defender, great shot blocker, good rebounder, good passer, upper end athleticism, and excellent motor.

Cons: No jump shot to speak off (other than that 12 foot bankshot from the wing). Bad FT shooting. Tendency to get in foul trouble. Undersized in ht and wt.

I'd love to see him get a shot, but I'm sure he can make a living somewhere playing ball.

(03-11-2014 05:28 PM)Bearcatbdub Wrote:  Does he have a shot at the NBA?

Pros: Extremely quick with his first step with an ability to drive to the basket from out past the FT line, able to finish with either hand in the post. Solid defender, great shot blocker, good rebounder, good passer, upper end athleticism, and excellent motor.

Cons: No jump shot to speak off (other than that 12 foot bankshot from the wing). Bad FT shooting. Tendency to get in foul trouble. Undersized in ht and wt.

I'd love to see him get a shot, but I'm sure he can make a living somewhere playing ball.

I see him doing very well for himself in Italy. Definitely fits his playstyle and his athleticism will make him an elite performer over there.

Sidepoint...Cash Wright is going to make himself some money in the EuroLeague. Not sure how many have been keeping track, but he's turned himself into a pretty formidable SG in the Netherlands. Check out his December stats if you want to see what Cash can do while healthy!

http://basketball.realgm.com/player/Cash.../4336/2014

Just checked up on a few more guys overseas. Dion Dixon got signed to Homenetmen Beirut and it lighting it up (20.4 ppg and 4.5 apg in 5 games since being signed) and Yancy is averaging 12 ppg and 6 rpg at the moment and Mbodj is averaging 8 ppg and 8 rpg with almost 2 bpg this season.

the whole mean face thing is awesome....

(03-11-2014 08:16 PM)Bearcats#1 Wrote:  the whole mean face thing is awesome....

I should have added that under the pros...

is anyone that surprised jumpin jack has had the season he has? i know hindsight and all that, but the tools and skills were always present with him to make this leap

"...I don't know where we'd be without him."

I know - not in the NCAA Tournament.

JJ (and SK) really demonstrates Mick's ability to develop players - which has got to help in recruiting.

(03-19-2014 10:40 AM)Lush Wrote:  is anyone that surprised jumpin jack has had the season he has? i know hindsight and all that, but the tools and skills were always present with him to make this leap

On offense? Yes I will admit I am. I thought he could elevate even another level defensively and he has done that, but his post moves and touch this year are something he hardly ever flashed in his 1st 3 seasons.