Bucks Zone

Despite playing limited minutes, rookie forward Andre Jackson Jr. is keeping his confidence high

Don’t forget about 'Dre.

Jonas Panerio

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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Being a young player in the NBA isn’t as easy as some think. Andre Jackson Jr., the 22-year-old rookie wingman for the Milwaukee Bucks, understands that all too well. After all, he’s only playing eight minutes per game this season, averaging 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds. However, despite the lack of minutes and opportunities, the former UConn star isn’t hanging his head; he keeps his confidence high and pushes forward.

Just go out and play

Young players have tendencies to overthink when given minutes on the floor. After all, they want to make a good impression on their coaches and teammates. Jackson, however, doesn’t operate that way at all. Instead, he takes the approach of going out there and just playing his game. With the support of his teammates and coaches, the 36th overall pick of this year’s NBA Draft is starting to find his place in the league.

“I believe in myself, and my coaches believe in me, and so do my teammates, so that gives me the confidence to go out there and do it,” Jackson said after tallying 10 points and eight rebounds in 26 minutes of action against the Detroit Pistons.

Despite playing the two-guard position, Jackson isn’t considered a perimeter threat. He finished his UConn career shooting 29.3 percent from beyond the arc. However, he’s worked on his shot in the NBA and is shooting 47.1 percent this season, making eight of 17 from beyond the arc.

“When people say you can’t do it, it makes you want to do it a little bit more. That’s just kind of how life works, right?” Jackson said.

Impacting the game

Jackson’s play just may be what the doctor ordered for a Bucks squad that leans heavily on its veterans. Although it’s no guarantee that the rookie can carve out a consistent role in the rotation, his recent play makes a case for himself.

“Andre Jackson Jr. could earn himself playoff minutes as a rookie if the young wing continues to impact the game all over the place for the Bucks,” NBA analyst Jake Weinbach said.

“His skill set is an ideal complement to this team. The UConn standout has been developing at a steady pace to begin his NBA career.”

MarJon Beauchamp and Andre Jackson are forming a nice tag team for a Bucks team that lacks youth and athleticism

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO