Blue Devil Country

Former Duke Basketball Guard Decides to Take Talents Overseas

It makes sense at this point for Duke basketball product Frank Jackson to leave the G League behind.

Matt Giles

Former Duke Basketball Guard Decides to Take Talents Overseas
Former Duke Basketball Guard Decides to Take Talents Overseas /
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Rather than wait around in the G League for an NBA squad to possibly call upon his services next season, 2016-17 Duke basketball player and former No. 31 overall draft pick Frank Jackson has agreed to a one-year deal with LDLC ASVEL in Villeurbanne, France, per a team release on Friday.

RELATED: List of Every Blue Devil Currently in the NBA

With LDLC ASVEL, which finished 8-26 overall last season and at the bottom of the EuroLeague standings, the 25-year-old lightfooted guard should enjoy plenty of playing time and considerably higher pay without having to chase 10-day NBA contracts while grinding it out in the G League.

Last season, after getting waived in the preseason by the Phoenix Suns, then again by the Utah Jazz, Jackson posted an impressive 23.2 points per outing and 43.9 shooting percentage from deep in 23 games for the Jazz's G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars. But he played only one NBA game via a 10-day contract with the Jazz.

The Utah native averaged 8.5 points in 213 games across his first four years in the NBA, first with the New Orleans Pelicans before signing a two-year deal with the Detroit Pistons in 2020.

Nevertheless, his future in the NBA seems uncertain following a season absent interest outside his home state. The 6-foot-3 Jackson was an undersized guard in the league, draining only 33.2 percent of his 3-point attempts as a career volume outside shooter while averaging only 1.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.4 steals.

Still, it sounds like Jackson's new head coach, TJ Parker, the brother of NBA great and LDLC ASVEL owner Tony Parker, is thrilled to have him on his team.

"Frank has natural offensive qualities," the coach said. "He is a real scorer, a player who will have to set the tone in attack...He is keen to show great things in Europe and to establish himself as a leader."

In his lone college campaign, Frank Jackson, who arrived in Durham as a five-star and winner of the dunk contest as a 2016 McDonald's All-American, averaged 10.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists alongside two fellow Duke basketball one-and-done talents in Jayson Tatum and Harry Giles.

RELATED: List of Duke's All-Time McDonald's All-Americans

Of those three former Blue Devils, only Tatum remains in the NBA six years later. Of course, he's now a two-time First Team All-NBA selection and four-time All-Star with the Boston Celtics.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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